Did you know that 5,250,837 people get into accidents every year?
An accident can be terrifying and stressful, no matter what the circumstances are. We understand how difficult it is to navigate the aftermath of a car accident.
After a car accident, you may have felt overwhelmed by your responsibilities and the legal repercussions of the accident. These steps aren’t always written out after a fender-bender, and we want to help.
Keep reading for valuable information on the steps to follow after a car accident.
1. Stay Calm
After a car accident, it is important to stay calm. The adrenaline rush during an accident can cloud your judgment, so it’s important to stay level-headed and be conscious of your actions. First, take a deep breath and gather yourself. Make sure everyone is safe and no one needs medical attention.
Keeping a level head will ensure that you can handle the situation effectively and safely.
2. Check for Injuries
After a car accident, it’s important to check for injuries. Start by ensuring everyone is out of the vehicle and in a safe place, away from oncoming traffic, and in the shade if it’s hot outside. Begin with everyone in the vehicle, including yourself, and take an assessment of everyone’s physical condition.
Call 911 for medical support. Have people taken turns to inspect each other for any cuts, lacerations, abrasions, or bruises? Also, check for any broken or sprained bones and any pain or discomfort that has not been noticed before.
If pain or discomfort increases, seek medical help immediately. Check for signs of shock, like pale or clammy skin, fast pulse, profuse sweating, difficulty breathing, confusion, or loss of consciousness. Seek medical attention as soon as possible in those cases.
3. Call the Police
After an auto accident occurs, it is essential for everyone’s safety that you call the police. Calling the emergency services can help ensure that it injures no one and can provide essential evidence for filing a car insurance claim.
The police will record the details of the accident, such as the insurance companies involved, the names and contact information of those involved, where the accident occurred, and any other important information that can help with the filing of a claim.
They can also explain what you need to do at the scene, such as any paperwork you need to fill out, how you should proceed, and more. Having a police report of the accident is an important element of filing an insurance claim.
4. Exchange Insurance Details
It is important to exchange insurance details after a car accident injuries. Write or photograph the other driver’s details, including their name, insurance provider, insurance policy, number, and license plate number. Be sure to get their driver’s license number, address, contact information, and the make, model, and color of their car.
If there are any witnesses nearby, remember to get their contact information so that they can assist in the event of a dispute. It is also a good idea to take photos of the damage to both cars and an overview of the scene. Lastly, notify your insurance provider right away and provide them with all the information that you have gathered.
5. Take Pictures of the Accident Scene
Taking pictures of the accident scene is one of the most important steps to take after a car accident. Photos provide invaluable information that may help during the claims process for insurance companies.
It’s important to note the exact position of each vehicle after the accident, capture any debris or damaged property, and focus on any visual evidence, such as skid marks, signs, or traffic signage.
If the weather permits it, it helps to capture the entire accident scene in one shot. After that, slowly walk around the cars and take pictures of individual damage, including the license plates of all involved vehicles.
Photograph any visible injuries on yourself or anyone else involved in the incident. If any, try to capture pictures of the witnesses. Lastly, store all these pictures digitally for future reference.
6. Seek Medical Attention if Necessary
If you or any of your passengers have suffered any kind of injury in a car accident, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. A mild headache, sore muscles, or nausea could be signs of a more serious injury that requires medical care. Even if you feel well enough to continue driving, it’s best to see a doctor and get a medical evaluation just to be sure.
If you’re unable to bring yourself to the ER, don’t hesitate to call an ambulance or check for injuries and request a ride from someone that you trust.
Make sure that you give an accurate report of the accident to your medical provider and share any symptoms you’re feeling. It’s best to follow the instructions of your doctor carefully regardless of the cost, as the result of not doing so could be much more severe.
7. Seek Legal Advice
It’s important to take some steps to protect yourself and seek legal advice if needed. If the car crash was the fault of someone else, it’s especially important to seek legal advice. If you have been injured, a personal injury lawyer can help you get the compensation. You can also contact this company to help you get the claim that you deserve.
If you are worried about paying for legal help, many lawyers offer free consultations. They can explain your rights and assess your case to determine the amount of damages you may be eligible to receive.
Furthermore, they can handle the paperwork for you and represent you in court if necessary. Finally, if you are simply trying to get out of a harsh citation or expensive fine, a lawyer is the best bet and the right person you should consult.
Things You Should Do After a Car Accident
After a car accident, it is vital to stay calm and take the necessary steps for safety and legal reasons. These steps include calling emergency services, exchanging insurance information, taking pictures of the scene, and speaking to a lawyer.
Taking these steps will help make sure that everyone involved is safe and legally protected. It’s important to take immediate action after an accident to ensure the best outcome.
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