Each year, there are roughly six million car accidents in the U.S. They happen too frequently and could happen to you no matter how careful you are. Do you know what to do after a car accident?
Car accidents are stressful, scary, and overwhelming. After an accident, you and other parties will probably be scared. Let us walk you through the steps of what to do after a vehicle collision, so you know what to do during these stressful times.
Check for Injuries
Safety should always be your first concern after an accident. Check to see if anyone is injured right after a car accident, and if someone is hurt, call 911 immediately for emergency services.
For serious injuries, do not move the person unless they are in a hazardous location. You should always wait for emergency personnel if you can.
Call the police even if the accident is a minor fender bender. You will need an official accident report for insurance and also help get documentation.
Never leave the scene of the accident. You don’t want to get in trouble for a hit and run even a minor accident. There are serious penalties for hit-and-run drivers.
Be Safe
If you are still in traffic, you should try to move if possible. Turn on your hazard lights. If your car is not operational, then you don’t have to move it, but make sure all the people move to safety on the side of the road or sidewalk.
If the accident is on the main road, move the vehicles out of the way if possible. This can help prevent further accidents involving oncoming traffic.
You should also watch for any danger signs like fire or explosions. If you see any smoke or fire, make sure everyone gets away from the vehicles. Also, check for the smell of gasoline. As you wait for emergency crews, turn off your engine.
Exchange Information
After everyone involved is in a safe spot, you can start exchanging information with the other drivers. You should get information such as:
- Names
- Contact information
- Addresses
- Licenses plate numbers
- Insurance information
- Drivers’ license numbers
- Witness contact information
You want to get information from everyone involved, even passengers. It’s important to be good-natured with the other drivers. Remain calm at all times, no matter the situation. You should also avoid admitting guilt at the scene.
Document the Car Accident and Take Photos
Because accidents are so stressful, it is easy to forget the details. You don’t want to discuss the details with the other drivers. This is for the police to report and your insurance adjuster to work out the details of who is at fault.
You can start taking notes on what happened. Take photos of various angles of all cars involved. This will be extremely helpful for your insurance company.
You can even take a video of the accident scene. Include things like property damage and skid marks. Make note of street names and the direction of each vehicle before and after the accident.
Make sure you get this information before a tow truck starts moving the vehicles.
Seek Medical Treatment
When medical help arrives, make sure you get treatment even if it’s just a brief examination. You should seek care the next day even if you feel fine because some injuries don’t have any symptoms right away like whiplash, concussion, or internal bleeding. This is why immediate medical attention is vital.
Contact Your Insurance
Call your insurance company as soon as possible. You will need to explain what happened in detail, including the extent of the injuries. Be completely honest and clear as possible.
If you don’t tell the truth, you run the risk of your claim being denied. You will need to get a copy of the police report for your insurance company.
Even if the accident was not your fault, you should contact your insurance. Your insurance company is there to help you and will work with the other insurance company to get your compensation and handle repairs.
Keep Medical Receipts
It’s vital that you keep track of all your medical treatment. Try to keep everything in one folder, so you can easily access the information. You want detailed accounts of all doctors including specialists like physical therapists, chiropractors, emergency care, or any other healthcare professional.
Having this information ready will help you get the right settlement to cover these costs. Try to document any pain or how you are feeling, so you can report this for any pain and suffering. Keep a journal and detail how your injuries affect your day-to-day lifestyle and how your family is affected.
Consult an Attorney
If there were any injuries in the accident, you should consult an attorney. Finding an experienced lawyer can help you get fair compensation for your injuries or help with your defense if you are at fault.
An accident is stressful enough, so your lawyer will handle dealing with other attorneys and insurance companies. If the other insurance company calls you, you should be polite and refer them to your attorney. You can focus on healing and recuperating from your accident.
What to Do After a Car Accident
Unfortunately, life can happen at any time, and most of the time, it’s when you least expect it. If you are in a car accident try to remain calm and get to safety first and foremost.
Make sure everyone is okay, and always call the police or 911. Make sure you exchange the details above and talk to your insurance company. Don’t forget to seek medical treatment even if you think you are okay.
If you still want more advice on what to do after a car accident, contact Cummings Law for someone you can trust in the Nashville area. Brian Cummings is here to help you get through the accident aftermath. Contact us today to see how we can help you.
Posted in: Car Accidents