Getting involved in an auto accident can be very traumatizing, and you can be left stranded, not knowing what to do next. Below is a compilation of some of the things you should do after getting involved in the accident, during that very moment, and some days afterward.
Check Whether Everyone Is Safe
You need to check whether you and other people around you are safe before anything else. If you are seriously injured, don’t make any movement as it can make matters worse. Instead, wait for help from health personnel.
If you are not severely injured, check around and see whether everybody is safe and if you need to provide some help. Call emergency services in case someone is seriously injured.
Move To Safety
Moving to safety protects you from further injuries. If you are not badly hurt, move to the roadside or any other safe place. You can also ask for help from bystanders or call emergency services. Additionally, you can move your vehicle to the side if the accident is minor. Remember that your hazards lights should stay on and put flares or set reflective triangles to show drivers an accident has occurred.
Contact the Police
You need to call the police after being involved in an accident, whether its minor or major. It is crucial, and in some areas, it’s a legal requirement. The police will document the scene and fill out the accident report.
Make sure you note the name of the officer, their contact information, and badge number. Also, request them to give you a copy of the accident report form.
Exchange Information
You need to exchange information with the other party that has been involved in the accident too. Some of the most important information you should exchange include:
- Their full name
- Contact information
- Their license number
- Type, model, and color of their vehicle
- Their insurance policy number
Avoid discussing too many details of the accident, especially when the other driver shows aggression.
Document The Accident
You should record as much information as possible after an auto accident. Documenting the accident is key as it helps you protect yourself. Some of the things you can do include taking photos of your vehicle from different angles and taking photos of the other vehicle’s license plate using your phone. You might need the photos when making a claim with your insurance company.
You also need to record the date and time of the accident. Additionally, you can check whether there are witnesses who are willing to give you their contact information.
Get Medical Attention
If you are severely injured, you need to seek treatment even before doing anything else. However, if you have a minor injury, you can carry out the above processes, then go to a doctor. It’s crucial to seek treatment even when you feel just fine and don’t have symptoms of an injury. Some injuries don’t show symptoms immediately but do so after a few days or even weeks. By the time you develop these symptoms, the injury will have gotten worse.
To avoid all that, go for a check-up to ascertain that you’re fine and get treated in case of any problem.
Inform Your Insurance Company
It can be tempting to settle for a cash deal instead of making a claim with your insurance company. That may seem to be the easy way out, but it’s not advisable as it can make you liable for the damages caused by the accident.
Instead, talk with your insurance company, and inform them about the accident. You need to tell them the truth about how things transpired. If you lie, they may find out and deny you coverage.
Contact An Attorney
Consider hiring an injury attorney if you suffered serious injuries in an auto accident. You can also hire them when making an insurance claim. Attorneys can help gather evidence to prove the other driver’s negligence and negotiate with your insurer on your behalf. This can greatly help when you need to relax and recover from injuries. Also, if a loved one passed on due to auto accident injuries, you can involve a personal injury attorney to obtain the rightful compensation.
An auto accident can leave you worried and traumatized, making things even worse. Knowing what to do after an accident can save you from troubles such as delayed treatment and problems with your insurer. Since insurance companies are well-known for denying compensation, a car accident lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Leave a Reply