If you’ve just managed to get out of a car collision, you may be feeling disoriented and overwhelmed.
The good news is that different laws are in place to ensure you aren’t taken advantage of by the other driver. You also won’t be held personally responsible for the costs of property damage and medical bills.
Before you can enjoy the protection of the law, you first have to be aware of what you need to do after an accident.
Read on for 8 things you should do after an accident.
1. Determine Whether Anyone Is Hurt
If there is an accident, it is important to determine if anyone is hurt. Start by asking the people involved in it and those that may have witnessed it.
This includes anyone in the vehicle and those in the vicinity of the accident. Check for injuries that may not have been obvious to the eye, such as head trauma or broken bones. Ensure the people know to stay put and not move from the scene as it could be dangerous.
2. Get Yourself and Your Vehicle Out of Danger
It is vital to get yourself and your vehicle out of danger after an accident. If your car is left in a hazardous area, move it to a stable spot on the side of the road as quickly as possible. Apply your parking brake and turn on your hazard lights.
If your vehicle is unable to move, move away from it as safely and quickly as you can. If your vehicle is still in the line of traffic, use flares, triangle markers, and/or your emergency blinkers. This will make the scene more visible to oncoming traffic and warn them of the accident.
3. Contact the Police
If you got involved in an auto accident, it is important to contact the police. The police will come to the scene to take statements and take pictures of the scene.
After they determine who is at fault, they will issue tickets or warnings and provide you with an accident report. It is important to contact the police right away after an accident. This is because they can help clear up questions and collect pertinent information.
Additionally, it is important to request a copy of the police report to provide to your insurance company. By contacting the police, they can execute the proper protocols. This will allow you to go on with your life after the accident more quickly.
4. Collect Important Information
After an accident, it is very important to collect the necessary information. First, you should exchange information with anyone else involved in the accident. It is important to collect their names, contact information, and insurance information.
Then, you should take pictures of the scene of the accident. This includes all vehicles involved and any resulting physical damage. This can provide valuable evidence if needed.
You should also take pictures of any injuries you suffered due to the crash. Gathering witness information is very important. Other accounts of the accident can be critical in proving fault and damage as well.
If possible, gather each witness’s contact information and their account of the crash. Collecting information can be important for both protecting yourself and taking legal action.
5. Avoid Roadside Discussions About Responsibility
As much as possible, try to avoid discussing responsibility after an automobile accident. Though it may be difficult, save any discussions for a more appropriate setting. For instance, you should do it after consulting an attorney.
Roadside discussions can have dire consequences. Furthermore, any statements made during such a discussion can be used against you in a court of law.
By doing this, you can ensure you are not making any incriminating decisions. Avoiding this can also help protect you from any financial harm caused by exaggerated claims or counterclaims.
6. See Your Doctor
In any type of accident, it is important to always seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even if the accident itself is minor, it is important to see your doctor.
This is especially important if the area has experienced any type of trauma. Even something as simple as a bump on the head can result in serious injury if not properly treated.
Your doctor can assess your condition and help you identify any signs that could lead to complications. Also, your doctor can help provide advice on any effects that may arise from the accident. These can range from chronic pain to psychological stress.
7. Call Your Insurance Company
If you got involved in an accident, you should call your insurance company immediately. Even if you do not think the accident was serious, you will need to inform your insurance provider as soon as possible.
The information you provide will impact your coverage and claims process moving forward. When you call, be sure to have the details of the accident readily available. This includes the date and location, a description of the collision, and details of any witnesses.
Be sure to discuss any injuries or damage to the vehicles, as this will also affect how your claim gets handled. You should also notify your insurance company of any car damages or repairs. To be sure that you’re doing things right, do yourself a favor and hire a Personal injury lawyer. They can help you deal with your insurance company.
If things don’t go too well and your claim gets denied, your lawyer can also help. They can take your case to court and help you get the compensation that you deserve.
8. Be Proactive
Being proactive after an accident is essential for a successful outcome. Doing so can help protect your rights, mitigate potential liabilities, and preserve evidence.
Taking the initiative will be beneficial in the long run. Taking control of the situation post-accident will end up reflecting on the outcome.
Keep your rights and responsibilities in mind. With this, you will be better prepared when legal action needs to get taken.
After an accident, make sure you are prepared by knowing what to do. Taking the right steps could prevent serious complications when filing claims.
Knowing what to do should be a priority following an accident. Take action now to make sure you have the right knowledge and resources when you need them.
Do you need more legal help and advice? Check out our other posts for more guidance.