If there’s one thing that I found to be very devastating when it comes to car accidents is that several million car crashes occur in the United States only. You could imagine the statistics on the global level.
Luckily, most of them are not fatal but it still doesn’t mean that these incidents are not traumatizing to anyone who goes through them. Some of them are scared for life and even refuse to drive ever again.
If you went through something like this recently and you would like to know what needs to be done in these types of situations, then pay attention to the suggestions that I’m about to mention below.
Pull Your Vehicle Right Away
If possible, the first thing that you’re supposed to do is to pull your vehicle to a safe place, where people can see you. This is particularly important if you think that there’s a chance your automobile can cause a road hazard.
I know that you may currently be very frightened and stressed out, but keep in mind that it’s of huge importance to stay as calm as possible. If you feel disoriented, then be sure to find a place, like a bench where you can sit for a while until you feel a bit better.
Even though you may feel completely lost at this very moment, I need to remind you that it would still be advisable to think about your next move so you can do whatever is necessary to protect and preserve your rights.
If you’re not capable of moving your auto, then you ensure to find someone who is going to help you move it. Whatever you decide to do next, do not leave the scene at any cost.
Do You Have An Attorney?
I know that your current priority is to call the people you love and let them know what just happened. And although that’s completely logical, another person that you should take into consideration is a lawyer.
Why is this so important? Well, that’s because this person will do all the necessary steps to fight for you and your rights and will negotiate compensation for you. Aside from that, a legal expert will help you collect the relevant evidence and prove liability.
A few days ago, I’ve conducted research related to this topic to see where a person can find the best advocates and I uncovered that the most skilled solicitors are in Detroit. Therefore, if you live in this city, then it would be great if you contacted a helpful Detroit car accident lawyer to guide you every step of the way. You won’t be able to get the compensation you deserve without this professional.
Don’t Forget To Dial 911
Another step that cannot be overlooked in these instances is precisely this one. Keep in mind that it’s pivotal to call the police so you can report this crash. As I told you before, you cannot leave the scene no matter what.
One of the most essential things that you can do in the aftermath of the accident is to report it so you can receive an official accident report. Once you call 911, they are going to conduct an investigation and will help you deal with an insurance company.
If the accident happens in Dallas, you can find the Dallas crash reports online after they have been filed. These documents will be requested by most insurance companies to begin a claim and can be used as evidence in a court of law.
The Importance Of Exchanging Information
In case you didn’t know after this incident, you are obligated only to give your name, along with the insurance information to the other driver. Although I know that you want to exchange every single relevant information with the other driver involved, it’s best to restrict your interaction as much as possible.
Why is that important? Well, that’s because you do not want to accidentally admit that you were the one who caused this accident or potentially blame anyone else for this. Now, there are some pieces of information that you are allowed to exchange and it includes the following:
- Name and insurance information of the other person who was involved in the collision, including the insurer’s phone number and policy number
- The telephone number of the other driver (that’s not mandatory)
- Witness contact information
- Police report number, as well as a copy of the police report
- The name of the police officer and badge number
Don’t Forget The Evidence
If you’ve managed to identify any witnesses, that’s great! Now, it’s time to move on to the next step, which includes collecting the evidence. Make sure to jot down any important detail that’s related to the vehicle, which normally includes:
- Make
- Model
- Year
- License plate number
- General description (such as color, dents, and bumper stickers)
If you’re able to, then be sure to take pictures of any damage that your automobile has sustained, along with the traffic signals, skid marks, and area conditions. Take a good look at your surroundings to see if there are any cameras in the near vicinity.
When I say this, I allude to doorbell cameras and surveillance cameras. If that’s the case, then ensure to write down their location because you’ll need to contact people who are the owners of these cameras.
Call The Insurer
As soon as you’re done with the aforementioned tasks, it’s time to contact your insurance provider while you’re still at the scene. Another thing that you can do is to report the claim by using the insurer’s mobile app.
Of course, that’s if they have one. This way, they will notify you exactly what needs to be done in order to process the claim insurance after the accident and what you can expect during this whole process. If by any chance your car is damaged, this person will most likely arrange it to be towed straight to the body shop.
I know that everything concerning a car accident is nothing but a painful experience and that you most likely are not in the mood to do anything. But if you want to protect yourself and prepare properly for a lawsuit, then you simply must take these steps.
