Most people experience a car crash one to three times in their life. A crash can be stressful to navigate once it happens, and sustaining injuries can make it even worse. Between the disorientation, confusion and stress, it can be difficult to figure out what to do the moments after a collision. It is important to follow the proper steps if you face such an event in your lifetime.
This article will serve as a complete guide for what to do following a car accident. The steps are important as they will protect your legal rights. Click here to see more about your legal rights.
What to Do After a Car Accident
The steps you take after an auto accident can make all the difference in your ability to recover compensation either from your insurance company or the responsible driver’s insurance company.
Get to Safety First
After a car crash, the first thing to do is to get out of the way of any oncoming traffic. Move your vehicle to the side of the road.. Make yourself and your vehicle visible to other drivers either by using your hazard lights or setting up flares or traffic cones around the crash.
You can also use your tire repair kit’s reflective triangle warning signs to help increase visibility to other drivers.
Check Yourself for Injuries
If you’re injured, ask for some help from surrounding people. But if you are seriously injured or stuck in your vehicle, try not to move. Some neck and spinal injuries can worsen with particular movements. Wait for help from the emergency personnel to arrive and aid you.
“Following your crash, make sure you seek appropriate medical attention,” note accident lawyers at Vanguard Attorneys, “it can take days before symptoms show the full extent of your injuries.” Even if you think you survived the accident unscathed, some injuries take hours or days to appear.
Call the Police
Call the police whether your accident is minor or a major collision. It is legally required to report a crash as soon as possible. The police report contains all the important information about your case. It will also protect your legal rights along with proof and statements. Request a copy of the police report as soon as possible.
Ensure Passenger Safety
Check on the other passengers in your car. Call the emergency service and ask for help if anyone has any serious injury and make plans to see a medical professional for everyone involved in the crash.
Exchange Information
After ensuring no one is harmed severely, exchange important information with the other driver. This information includes the driver’s name, address, vehicle number, license plate number, insurance and policy number.
Take Pictures
Take various pictures and videos of the accident site for evidence. Photos and videos of your car, the other cars involved, the accident scene, the street, nearby businesses, licenses, license plates, and injuries are ideal. Pictures can be important pieces of information to protect your legal rights; they just may prove your innocence.
Moreover, they are important to help determine the fault for the car crash. This can ultimately affect who is eligible for compensation and the compensation amount.
Call your Insurance Company
Most insurance companies demand you report any accident in your car. Call your insurance company immediately and tell them the facts of the crash: what happened, where you are, who was involved, and when it happened. Avoid assigning or accepting blame. Ensure you provide the insurance information to your insurance representative to avoid inconvenience.
Call a Lawyer
Even if the insurance company offers you a reasonable amount, speak to an experienced car accident lawyer. A lawyer can help determine if you are entitled to additional compensation during a free consultation. If you are injured and the insurance company does not agree to pay a fair settlement, a lawyer can help prove your case to maximize your claim.
Final Thoughts
The actions to take after a car accident are crucial for ensuring personal safety, the well-being of others involved, and the overall resolution of the incident. By taking these necessary steps, individuals can better navigate the aftermath of a car accident and ensure the best possible outcome for all parties involved.