Car accidents are traumatic and chaotic, but knowing what to do beforehand can do at lot to make the situation more manageable. In fact, as car accident lawyers may tell you, little know-how can go as far as to prevent further injury and to save lives. Here are five things to do at the scene of an accident:
Find a Safe Place
If possible, pull the vehicle off the road. A common tactic for carjacking is for another car to bump you from behind. If this has happened, look for a safe place to pull off. In any case, it’s a good idea to be careful when engaging with the other driver, especially if road rage was involved.
Look for Injuries
Before anything else, make sure everyone is alright. If you find any injuries, call 911.
Record Damage
After calling for help for any injuries, assess the damage done to the vehicle. It is helpful to photograph the extent of the damage if you are able to.
Remain on the Scene
Do not leave the scene of the accident. The only exception is when you are unable to find the owner of an unattended car. In this case, leave a detailed note with your name, address, phone number, and details of the accident such as the address and the make and model of the car.
File an Accident Report
Even after you inform law enforcement of the accident, its important that you visit the nearest police department or their website in order to file an incident report. This can help you and your car accident lawyer down the road in case the the other driver decides to sue or for making an insurance claim for vehicle damages you may not initially know about.
Sometimes its the aftermath of a car crash rather than the initial screech of the breaks that make the situation so frightening. Following these simple steps can help to make things flow more smoothly. If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident because of someone else’s negligence, talk to one of our car accident lawyers today! We can help you get the compensation you are seeking.