It is estimated that over 42,000 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes last year.
Being involved in a car accident can be a frustrating and scary experience. You may have experienced an injury and you do not know what to do.
You may also be concerned about your legal rights and whether you can recover compensation for your injuries.
The steps you take at the scene of an accident can be critical. Following these steps can help you avoid making a mistake that could cost you in the long run.
If you are wondering about the do’s and don’ts after being in a car accident, this simple guide is for you.
Do: Check for Injuries
If you have been in a car wreck, you should always check for injuries.
This is especially important if your car was hit from behind or sideswiped by another vehicle. If possible, get out of your vehicle and check yourself for any cuts or bruises.
You should also check for any passengers who may have experienced an injury. If so, call 911 immediately and give them your location.
Don’t: Admit Fault
You should never admit fault in an accident.
This can make a difference in your insurance benefits and how much compensation you receive. You may also face legal consequences if you admit fault, so it’s best to avoid doing so.
It’s best to wait until you talk to your insurance company to determine who is at fault.
Do: Move to a Safe Location
Move yourself and any passengers away from the accident site to a safe location.
This is especially important if you are in an area with a high risk of injury from falling debris or other hazards. You should also move away from any vehicles that could explode or catch fire, as well as any leaking fuel or oil.
If there are injured people around you, it’s best to wait for emergency responders before moving them.
Don’t: Leave the Scene
It’s never a good idea to leave the scene of an accident, especially if there are injuries or damage.
If you leave the scene of an accident, you could face criminal charges and a permanent mark on your record. You will also be at risk for civil lawsuits from injured parties.
Do: Exchange Information
If you are involved in an accident, it’s important to exchange information with the other driver.
The best way to do this is by writing each other’s name, address, and phone number before leaving the scene. You should also get the driver’s license number and insurance information.
You will also need this information to file a claim or if you decide to take legal action against the other party.
Don’t: Forget to Call the Police and Get a Report
If you experienced an injury in an accident, it’s important to call the police and get a report. The report is your best resource for proving that an accident occurred.
You should also ask the officer who arrives on the scene to write the names and contact information of any witnesses. This can help prove that someone was at fault for an accident.
Do: Document the Scene
If you have a camera on your phone or another device, use it to document the scene of the accident.
Take photos of any damage and make sure that these are dated and time stamped. You should also take videos of yourself walking around the scene and talking about what happened.
This will help you remember the details of what happened, as well as provide evidence that you can use in court.
Don’t: Neglect Witness Testimony
If there were witnesses to your accident, try to get their contact information and talk to them right away.
You can ask them what they saw, how it happened, and if they have any photos or videos of the scene that could help your case. You should also ask them if they will testify in court and if they will sign an affidavit on what they saw.
Do: Contact an Attorney
You should find an accident attorney as soon as possible to discuss your case and begin working on it right away.
They will tell you what evidence you need and help you get it so that the process goes smoothly. Get an accident attorney to help you with the negotiations with the insurance company.
An attorney will help you get a fair settlement, which is often more than what the insurance company would offer.
Don’t: Delay Seeking Medical Attention
If you have been in an accident and experienced an injury, get medical attention as soon as possible.
If your injuries are severe, it is important to go to the hospital right away so that they can treat you properly. You should also visit a doctor if your injuries are minor, but you feel pain or discomfort.
This will help prevent any complications from developing later on.
Do: Call Your Insurance Company to File a Claim
The sooner you contact your insurance company, the better.
You should call them as soon as possible after an accident to let them know what happened and to file a claim. This will ensure that the policy covers you in case of any losses related to the accident.
You can do this by going online and filing your claim through their website or calling them.
Your Actions After a Car Accident Are Important
A car accident is one of the most stressful situations you can encounter. It’s never easy to cope with the aftermath of a car accident, but it is even more difficult when you don’t know what to do.
There are many things you can do after a car accident, but there are also some things you should never do. The above tips will help you better navigate the aftermath of such an event.
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