Experiencing a car accident can be overwhelming and chaotic. It’s crucial to know the immediate steps to take following an incident to ensure your safety, comply with the law, and prepare for an insurance claim. Here’s a guide to the seven essential actions you should take after being involved in a car accident.
1. Check for Injuries and Ensure Safety
Immediately after the accident, check yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 right away. Do not attempt to move anyone who is injured unless there is a hazard that necessitates moving them. Safety should be your top priority, so make sure to turn on your hazard lights and set up emergency triangles or road flares to alert other drivers to your presence.
2. Move to a Safe Location
If the accident is minor and there are no serious injuries, move vehicles to the side of the road, away from traffic. This prevents any further accidents and allows traffic to flow smoothly. If vehicles cannot be moved, stay in the car with the seatbelt fastened until help arrives.
3. Call the Police
Regardless of the accident’s severity, it’s important to call the police. They can file a traffic report, which may be necessary for filing with your insurance company and serves as a legal document in case of disputes. When the police arrive, tell them exactly what happened to the best of your ability. Do not speculate or misstate any facts, and ensure the other party does not admit fault.
4. Document the Accident
While waiting for the police, take detailed photos of the accident scene, including all vehicles involved, any visible damage, and any road signs or weather conditions that might have contributed to the accident. This documentation can be crucial for insurance claims and legal matters. Exchange names, addresses, phone numbers, insurance information, and vehicle registration details with the other driver. Write down the names and badge numbers of responding officers as well.
5. Notify Your Insurance Company
Inform your insurance company of the accident as soon as possible. Many policies require immediate reporting and full cooperation. Provide them with the evidence gathered at the scene, and retain all documentation, including the claim number and the insurance adjuster handling the claim. Be honest about the incident and your injuries because lying can lead to the denial of coverage.
6. Seek Medical Attention
Sometimes, injuries caused by car accidents are not immediately apparent. Most people report feeling more pain a day or two after an actual collision. Unless you are absolutely certain you were not injured, seek medical attention at your local emergency room or by seeing your family physician. Even in accidents involving minor impact, you can sustain a serious and permanent injury to your spinal cord.
7. Consult an Attorney
Consider consulting with a personal injury attorney if there are any injuries or significant damage. An attorney can help protect your rights and ensure valuable evidence is not destroyed. Often, insurance companies want to take statements immediately after an accident. It is important you have received legal advice before providing a statement. Our car accident attorneys at Robert J. DeBry can help you through the process.
Conclusion
Following these steps after a car accident not only keeps you safe but also protects your interests in the long run. Handling the aftermath of a car accident is a critical time that involves careful attention to detail, documentation, and a proactive approach in dealing with legal and insurance matters. Remember, the key is to stay calm and collected throughout the process, ensuring all bases are covered for any forthcoming claims or legal issues.