Car accidents are incredibly scary, and after such a shock, it can be difficult to think clearly. Would you know the proper measures to take in the immediate aftermath of a car accident?
It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the steps to take after an accident so that if this scary situation ever befalls you, you won’t have to stress about not knowing what to do.
If you are injured and need immediate medical attention, then that should of course be your first priority. But if not, follow this checklist!
- Don’t leave the scene.
Even if the accident doesn’t seem that serious, you should remain on the scene. If possible and necessary, move your car out of the way of traffic, but otherwise, stay put.
If one of your passengers (or someone from the other vehicle) is injured and needs medical attention, you do not need to drive them to the hospital. An ambulance can get them there more quickly and EMTs can provide medical attention on the drive, or even at the scene.
You don’t, however, need to stay in your car. Some people panic and think that they should not exit their vehicle, but getting out is certainly advisable, especially when there’s a possibility that a fire could break out.
- Call the police.
You will need to call 911. Once the police arrive on the scene, you should cooperate with them fully and ask that a police report be filed. You should also write down the police officers’ names and badge numbers for your records.
- Get the other driver’s name and insurance information.
This is also necessary for your records. When interacting with the other driver, do not verbally take blame in any way. This can be damaging to your claim later.
- Check for witnesses.
Did any bystanders see the accident happen? Get their contact information.
You can get a lot of useful information from witnesses. If they live in the area, they may have seen other accidents occur in the same spot, which could be indicative of an issue with the roadway.
- Take photos.
Take lots of pictures of the damage to your vehicle as well as the scene in general. How are the cars positioned? What does the surrounding area look like? Was your accident caused by a downed stop sign or otherwise obscured signage? If so, take a picture of that, too.
- Go to the doctor.
See your doctor right away, even if your injuries seem minor. Sometimes people do not realize the extent of their injuries until after time has passed (whether it’s because of adrenaline or because the injury only makes itself known when you move a certain way). You need to have documentation of your injuries, no matter how serious or minimal they may be.
If you cannot get an appointment with your regular doctor, it is worth it to take a trip to the emergency room.
- Notify your insurance provider.
Advise your insurance provider that an accident has occurred. They will ask you many questions and you will need to provide much of the documentation you have obtained, such as your photos of the damage and a copy of the police report.
- Contact a personal injury lawyer.
At The Bagneris Firm, we are eager to help you handle the aftermath of your accident. Give us a call at 504-810-3995 for aggressive representation.
Bagneris Law Firm
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