A car collision is always unexpected and happens in the blink of an eye. In the chaotic aftermath, you may be struggling to remember the right moves to make as you ask yourself, What should I do after a car accident? Due to the sudden surge of adrenaline after such a traumatic event, it’s easy to forget what to do after a car accident. However, the more you remember the following steps, the stronger your case may be if you file a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver.
Move to Safety
After an accident, there is always a risk of a secondary crash. Secondary crashes may occur if a passing driver gets distracted when going past an accident scene and collides with stranded vehicles. Therefore, one of the most important steps after a car accident is moving to a position of safety. You should assist anyone in your vehicle from doing so, as well.
Notify Insurance Company
Promptly notify your insurance company and provide a clear and accurate narrative of the events. When it comes to filing a claim and providing supporting documentation for your claim, contact a personal injury attorney. A personal injury attorney that has experience with car accidents can help navigate the legal process and provide information about typical car accident settlements.
Seek Medical Treatment
If you are physically able, call 9-1-1 and request medical assistance. You may ask all involved parties about their physical condition to determine if anyone else is in immediate danger.
Even if you believe yourself to be injury-free, obtaining a complete medical evaluation is essential. Some injuries take hours or days to show symptoms. A doctor is the only one qualified to diagnose injuries that may not be immediately apparent. Prolonging or failing to receive the medical attention you need may create dangerous health complications and a prolonged recovery. Additionally, connecting your injuries to your accident is crucial to getting compensation for your damages.
Call the Police
All reporting officers must submit an accident report if a crash results in injury, death, or a certain level of property damage. If your accident does not meet these criteria, you may still need to fill out a driver’s crash report. Even though this report is not completed by a reporting officer, it recites the details and circumstances of your crash, which may be helpful to your attorney.
Collect Information
Without speaking at length about the accident, obtain the names, contact information, driver’s license information, and insurance information of all involved motorists. In addition, write down a description of their car and driver’s license number.
You should also get the names and contact information of any witnesses to the accident. Your attorney will follow up with them to gain more information about your collision.
Document the Scene
Photographs and videos are helpful evidence in personal injury lawsuits. Take photographs of all involved vehicles and the surrounding environment. Write down your memories before, during, and after the accident. Many believe they won’t forget a single detail of such a life-changing experience. However, memories fade quickly. Writing these details down keeps your memories sharp regarding the collision.
Call an Attorney
Consider calling an attorney who can help you navigate the legal process and protect your rights. A car accident attorney can provide guidance on dealing with the other party’s insurance company and represent you in court if necessary. Time is a critical factor in accident cases, so act promptly and seek legal assistance as soon as possible.