Road accidents can happen to anyone regardless of their driving skills. This unfortunate reality can take a physical and mental toll on anyone. A slight mistake is all it takes for an accident to happen. What’s more, you may not be at fault, but that does not mean it will not impact you somehow.
If you or your loved one has faced such an incident, seeking help from an expert, such as accident lawyer Felix Gonzalez, is important. These professionals know the ins and outs of road accident litigation and help you navigate the legal realm better. From seeking compensation to negotiating with the insurance firms, these attorneys prove to be your allies in a much-needed time.
So, what should you do if you are in a car crash? Below are some of the things you should do in case you are ever involved in a road accident:
Get Yourself Together
Accidents are hard on anyone. They can affect a person mentally as well as physically. If you face an accident, the incident might leave you in shock because most accidents happen in a matter of seconds. Regardless, you should get yourself together to assess your surroundings and figure out what to do next.
Safety First
Once you’re aware of your surroundings, the next step is safety. Accordingly, you should check yourself for signs of injuries. Once you’ve assessed yourself, you should then check your passengers and see if they are okay. If anything is amiss, you should call 911.
Stay at the Scene
Once you have assessed yourself and the passengers, you should evaluate the surroundings. Is your car safe to drive? If it’s blocking traffic, move it to the side of the road. Stay at the scene until the authorities arrive and clear you to leave. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers to the situation. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately for medical assistance. Document the scene by taking photos of the vehicles, damages, and any relevant road conditions.
Call 911
Whether you were hurt or not, you should go ahead and call 911. This is important since the police will document the accident and draft a report. However, if the police officers cannot come to the scene, then you should go and report the incident yourself.
You should also call 911 for medical professionals to assess your injuries if any. Even if you feel fine, you should seek medical help as some symptoms may show later.
Document the Accident
If the matter goes to trial, you need concrete evidence as the US court system mandates you to prove your claim beyond a reasonable doubt. Take pictures that show the general nature of the road, the vehicles, and other conditions. Below are examples of information you should put into writing:
- Details pertinent to the incident, such as the time and date.
- Involves parties such as the vehicle plate and the addresses
- Witnesses (names and addresses)
- Police officers (names and addresses)
Avoid talking to the other driver or pedestrians about personal details of the accident. You should only discuss the details with your attorney present to avoid admitting fault.
Talk to your Insurance Agent
Once you have all these details, the last step is to notify your insurer and start the claims process. Start by calling your insurance agent for them to tell you what you need. Giving clear information on the facts and other vital aspects simplifies the process for you and them. Make sure no important detail is left out.
Conclusion
While it can be traumatizing, an accident requires you to keep your emotions in check and follow a well-laid procedure to ensure your safety and others involved.
The steps above are intended to help you prepare if you ever find yourself in a road accident. Remember that some actions are legally mandated, meaning that you risk arrest when you fail to follow them.