After being involved in a car accident, it’s quite evident that most people will not know how to go about the situation at hand. If you or a loved one gets injured in a car accident, it’s prudent to act fast, as time is usually of the essence in determining the success of your case.
Call 18200VICTIM2 skilled personal injury lawyers as soon as possible, as that will enable them to conduct the necessary investigation and determine the liable party. Below we shall discuss the crucial steps to take after a car accident.
What to Do After a Car Accident
1.Check Yourself and Your Passengers for Injuries
If you’re not too hurt or shaken to move, examine yourself for injuries and make sure any other passengers in your car are okay. If anyone is injured, call 911 or ask a witness to do so. Even if the accident seems to be minor, such as a fender-bender, always be sure to stay at the accident scene and inform the relevant authorities.
2.Move to Safety
Quickly access your surroundings and try to get to safety by moving to the sidewalks. Look out for oil or gas leaks and if you detect one, turn your engines off. It is also wise to put your hazard lights on in order to warn oncoming drivers and avoid similar additional accidents.
3.Call 911
Traffic officers are crucial after an accident as they will usually collect evidence and provide you with an accident report, which you will need if you intend to file a case for compensation.
4.Collect Evidence and Take Photos
If you are not too hurt to move and the accident did not cause any serious injuries, start documenting everything you remember before and after the accident. Ask for the other driver’s contact information, address, phone number, and so on. It’s also important to note down the type of car they drive, model, number plate, and insurance company.
Take pictures of the accident and any visible bruises or cuts. If you are too hurt to move, ask a stranger to help you take the photos.
5.Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Even if the accident seems to be minor, visit a hospital as soon as possible, as you may be experiencing internal bleeding or suffering from broken bones, which only a doctor can diagnose. They will also provide you with a medical report to submit while filing for compensation from your insurance company.
6.Contact Your Insurance Company
Regardless of who is to blame, it is critical to report every accident that results in injuries or property damage to your insurance company. It is a frequent fallacy that you only need to contact your insurance carrier if you were the cause of the accident. Often, you may want to use it; nevertheless, you must contact your insurance providers as they will also need to conduct their investigations.
Don’t Take Long to Report the Accident
It’s important to note that there is always a statute of limitations when filing a personal injury case, and the longer you take to file the case, the more it can make your case seem less credible. It is also very important to hire a qualified person with a great reputation to represent your case, as they will know how to go about your case since they have dealt with similar cases before.