Ensure Safety and Check for Injuries
Immediately after the accident, your top priority should be ensuring the safety of everyone involved. If possible, move your car out of the way of oncoming traffic. In addition, if possible,, turn off your car’s engine, turn on hazard lights, and check yourself and any passengers for bodily injuries.
Contact the Police and Emergency Services
Next, call the police. They will respond to the scene of the accident and create a formal report of the incident. This is crucial if you later decide to file a car accident injury claim. If you notice any visible injuries, make sure to tell them when you call so they can send an ambulance quickly.
Stay Calm and Gather Information
Although emotions may run high after a car accident, it is crucial to stay level-headed and focused. Use this time to gather necessary information, including:
- The other driver’s name, license number, and insurance details
- Vehicle details for all cars involved (make, model, and license plate)
- Time and location of the accident
- Photos of damages to both cars and the accident scene
- Contact information of any witnesses
Having this information will be useful if you choose to make an insurance claim or file a personal injury lawsuit later on.
Document the Accident
Capture as much evidence as possible. Take clear photos of your vehicle’s damage, any other vehicles involved, and debris or skid marks on the road using your smartphone or camera. Make sure to also snap pictures of relevant traffic signs, intersections, or any other elements that may help provide context for the accident. In addition, if you have visible bodily injuries, take photos to properly document the physical harm inflicted during the collision.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you don’t feel hurt right after an accident, you should still see a doctor right away. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal ones, might not hurt or show symptoms right away. A medical professional will be able to identify and treat any immediate needs, and they can also inform you about potential future symptoms to be aware of.
Some common delayed symptoms include:
- Headaches, which could signal a concussion.
- Neck and back pain, which may be a sign of whiplash or spinal injury.
- Abdominal pain, which could indicate internal bleeding.
- Emotional distress and anxiety, which may be symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.
By seeking medical attention promptly, you can address these issues and avoid long-term effects on your health. It’s essential to keep records of all the medical treatments related to the accident, as these will be helpful in an insurance claim or in a personal injury lawsuit.
Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company
Notify your automobile insurance company as soon as possible after the accident, even if the other driver was at fault.
Consult and Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer
Hiring a personal injury lawyer is crucial if you’ve sustained injuries in a car accident caused by another driver. A competent and experienced lawyer will help you in the following ways:
- Investigating the accident: A thorough investigation of the accident is crucial to determine the responsible parties and to collect relevant evidence. A lawyer can work with experts such as accident reconstruction specialists to gather information about the accident and build a strong case in your favor.
- Assessing damages: An experienced lawyer can help determine the value of your claim by reviewing medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages you may have incurred. This enables your lawyer to demand the appropriate compensation from the responsible parties or their insurers.
- Negotiating with insurance companies: Dealing with auto insurance companies can be tough for someone without legal knowledge, as their main objective is to settle claims for the smallest amount possible. A car accident lawyer is well-versed in the tactics used by auto insurance companies to minimize payouts and they can negotiate effectively to protect your interests.
- Taking legal action: If negotiations with insurance companies are unsuccessful and a fair settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer can file a lawsuit and present your case at trial. Taking legal action may be necessary for you to receive appropriate compensation, and an experienced lawyer will help you pursue this option if needed.
Importance of Not Admitting Fault at the Scene
No matter what you are thinking, avoid admitting fault at the scene of the accident. An official investigation will determine the responsible party, and any admission of guilt could be used against you later. Always keep any thoughts or comments to yourself.
No one ever expects to be in a car accident, but it is important to know what steps to take if you find yourself in this situation. Acting quickly in seeking legal counsel should be a top priority, especially if the accident was not your fault and you suffered harms and losses as a result of the collision. This will help you obtain any compensation that is available to you.