For many, a car accident is unchartered territory and the aftermath can be just as daunting as the accident itself. You may have insurance claims and companies to deal with, car accident law to concern yourself with, and not to mention managing the actual injuries or vehicle repairs that have occurred as a result of the accident. So to help prevent you from feeling overwhelmed after a car accident and reassure you of the next steps here is a guide to what to do after being involved in a car.
Keep calm and move to a safe place
First and foremost it is important to try and stay calm. The calmer you are the easier all of the next steps will be. It might not be easy, nobody is expecting an accident but do your best to remain calm and in control. Once you have steadied yourself, and if you are not too hurt then consider where your vehicle is. Ideally, you will want to preserve the scene as much as possible but if you are in the line of traffic or in a vulnerable position then, if possible, move your car. If this is not possible then put your warning lights on and get you and your passengers out of the car and into a safe space.
Importantly you must never, ever drive away from the scene, no matter how minor the accident. You could find yourself in a lot more trouble if you do.
Check for injuries and call 911
Once you and your passengers are in a safe place check yourself and everyone over. If anyone is injured or in any pain call 911 straight away. Just because an injury is not immediately obvious doesn’t mean it isn’t there. If children are involved it is always advised you contact the emergency services regardless of how minor the accident may seem. Even if you are in a minor accident and no one has been injured some states require any accident to be reported so call the non-emergency police line and report the accident.
Collate all the information you need
Assuming that you are medically able then now is the time to start collating some important bits of information. Firstly you will want to exchange details with the other driver by sharing names and insurance information, this will make dealing with the claim much easier. Take a picture of the other party’s driving license and insurance card to ensure you don’t forget or lose it. It is then a good idea to start taking some photos of the damage to both vehicles. Good photos will help insurance adjustors determine the liability for the accident. It will also help to remind you of the circumstances accident in time to come, as these things can get a little blurry in your recollection. If you are able it is also a good idea to write down as many details as you can remember about the accident, such as your speed, location, weather, what happened. This will help keep the turn of events fresh in your mind when dealing with any subsequent insurance claim. It is also a good idea to get a copy of the accident report the local police will file.
Importantly try to avoid making a personal deal with the other party at this stage. The full extent of any injuries or losses is not yet known and any deal you make may not take these injuries or losses into account. What is more, there is nothing binding to ensure the other party will maintain their side of the deal.
Seek medical attention
If you or your passengers have sustained an injury as a result of the accident then it is always advised you seek medical attention. It may be that this is required at the scene but if it isn’t then you should still consider a trip to the emergency room or your doctor, depending upon your injuries. Not only is this advised for your health and wellbeing but also to support any potential personal injury claim you may have as a result of sustaining an injury in the accident.
Seek legal advice.
It is always a good idea to seek legal advice from a car accident lawyer following an accident, whether you were at fault or not. If you have sustained an injury as a result of the accident you may be entitled to compensation. Car accidents can have devastating consequences, they can result in pain and suffering, psychological trauma and financial loss, and inconvenience. If you have incurred any financial losses or injuries as a result of the accident a personal injury lawyer will be best placed to help you recover those losses and seek compensation for the pain and suffering endured. Car accident law and injury law can be daunting and complex so hiring the professionals to help you deal with it will pay dividends, quite literally.
Contact your insurance provider
It is important that you contact your insurance provider to advise them of the claim as soon as you can following the accident. They may be able to assist you with services you require, be it car repairs or medical requirements and your policy may contain benefits you did not know it had. Notifying them early will also help expedite your claim. You are obliged to notify your provider of any accident so it is important you do not skip this step.
Seek legal advice.
It is always a good idea to seek legal advice following an accident, whether you were at fault or not. If you have sustained an injury as a result of the accident you may be entitled to compensation. Car accidents can have devastating consequences, they can result in pain and suffering, psychological trauma and financial loss, and inconvenience. If you have incurred any financial losses or injuries as a result of the accident a personal injury lawyer will be best placed to help you recover those losses and seek compensation for the pain and suffering endured. Car accident law and injury law can be daunting and complex so hiring the professionals to help you deal with it will pay dividends, quite literally.
Keep all your documentation
After an accident, you will accrue some important documentation. This might include, accident reports, witness contact details, receipts for fixing or even replacing your car, it is important that you retain all of this documentation and keep it in a file in a safe place. If you have incurred a financial loss that you are seeking to recover then you will have to be able to substantiate this loss by way of receipts or invoices for example. It is also a good idea to file all the paperwork to do with the claim itself in this file. Keep a record of the insurance company, the claim adjuster, and the claim number so you have it on hand as and when you need it.
Thanks for reading and y’all stay dandy.
-Diego
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