Did you know car accidents cause injuries to 4.4 million Americans each year?
Let’s face it: being involved in a car accident, regardless of whether it’s your fault or not, is a horrifying experience. There is usually a flood of emotions, turmoil, and confusion about what just took place.
Being well-prepared can make the process go much more smoothly. When it comes to gathering information, simply keeping a pen, some papers, or a blank accident report, and a flashlight in your glove box is a huge help.
You must remain calm and take a step-by-step strategy to deal with the consequences of the collision. What you do in the next few seconds, minutes, and hours is critical to safeguarding your health and bank account. Furthermore, it helps to ensure that you are performing all the required tasks by the law.
Wondering what to do in a car accident? Read more now to learn the top 7 things you need to do if you’re in a car accident.
1. Report the Accident
The police are among the first responders to a car accident scene, and they come to help. Reporting the accident as soon as it happens is therefore vital to alert first responders.
It would help if you didn’t ignore accident reporting, no matter how minor the accident is. If you do, you might ruin your chances of getting compensation for the accident. Report the accident and insist on an investigation to establish cause.
Reporting the accident also ensures scene preservation which makes the investigation easier. Report the accident even when the other party in the car accident advises against it. You’re at a better chance to sort out any injuries or property damage with police involvement.
2. Injured? Seek Immediate Medical Assistance
Are you injured? Consider seeking medical assistance immediately to obtain treatment.
Car accidents are notorious for causing various injury types. Some of them can be internal, and you can never be too sure when you don’t see physical damage. Failure to seek treatment can be catastrophic, with severe injuries causing death.
If you’re in luck, paramedics among the first responders should be your first stop. They have the equipment to handle any emergencies that might arise and can get you to the hospital fast. You could also go in for a check-up at your physician to establish if you’re injured.
Medical attention after an accident is invaluable to protecting life. You’ll also have the medical form for filing a compensation lawsuit for the car accident. It will be easier for you when you get legal representation to better your chances for a case win.
3. Accident Injuries and Help
What is the state of everyone else involved in the accident? Check both of the cars involved in the accident and help with any casualties.
Getting everyone to safety is a critical intervention that can prevent death. You could also perform first aid to those needing it. Assisting those injured in an accident is noble, but ensure you’re fine first.
Severe injuries are common, and these should be treated with the utmost reservation. Once they’re safe, ensure that the injured person is as comfortable as possible. You, however, shouldn’t move them unless it’s necessary to avoid further injury.
4. Document Everything If Possible
Your phone’s camera is a great tool when in an accident since it comes in handy. You should document everything about the accident if possible.
Documentation offers proof of the accident’s condition when in a lawsuit. Such proof is ammunition your personal injury attorney uses to get you compensation. Documentation of the whole process after the accident supplements your medical reports.
A comprehensive video or photos of the car accident scene and both cars will suffice. Don’t insist on getting the information if you’re injured; seek medical attention first.
5. Identify Eye Witnesses to the Accident
Which passers-by saw the accident? Eyewitnesses can be vital for accident reporting and should be identified after you’ve had a car accident.
Eyewitnesses will likely stop after witnessing the accident; consider talking to them. The police will want to hear from them as third parties regarding the events as they happened.
It would be best to take their names and contact information; they’re excellent witnesses for the court case. They present facts that are crucial in proving responsibility for the crash.
6. Don’t Make Statements About the Accident
Roadside discussions, especially after an accident, can be problematic in establishing facts. Refrain from making statements about the accident.
Discussing responsibility either with the other driver or eyewitnesses can distort case facts. Wait until you’ve dealt with a police officer or a car accident lawyer. Record anything said by the other driver since it might come in handy.
Information you give right after the accident can be used against you in a court of law. Be careful not to make statements about the accident. Your car accident lawyer gets a better chance of representing you better within the courts.
7. Exchange Driver’s License and Insurance Information
The accident happening means that your car insurer has to be involved. Consider exchanging license and insurance information with the other driver.
This step, even though straightforward and widely known, can be ignored in some cases. Information exchange familiarizes you with the other party in the accident, ensuring that they’re reachable.
It would help if you also considered having a copy of the accident report to verify these details. License and insurance information will be critical since they identify the persona for the case.
Consider the Above Steps After You’re Involved in a Car Accident
Even though an accident is the last thing you’d want to be involved in, you need to be ready. Car accidents can cause property loss and affect the preservation of life when mishandled. Consider the above car accident advice if you’ve been involved in a car accident.
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