If you’ve been involved in a car accident, your first call should always be to 911 to ensure you receive proper medical attention. Your next call? You may want to call on an experienced car injury attorney to protect your rights and even potentially help you receive financial compensation for your injuries.
But following a car accident, it can be confusing to know what to do next. In such a frightening and confusing situation, you may not realize that the steps following a car accident are important for not just your health and safety, but for protecting your rights. If you’ve been injured by the negligent actions of another person, such as a car crash, then you may be eligible for financial compensation. Here, we’re taking a closer look at what exactly you should do in the aftermath of a car accident.
What to Do After a Car Accident
Even the safest drivers among us may be involved in a car accident at some point in their lives. No matter where you drive, whether it’s just running down the street or embarking on a cross-country road trip, there’s always the potential for a car accident. After all, you can’t exactly predict the actions of other drivers. Keep reading to learn about the important steps to take in the event of an auto accident so your rights will be protected.
1. Get to a safe area: even before that important call to 911, you should first try to get yourself (and your vehicle) to a safe area. This will prevent the accident from getting even worse and reduce your risk of additional injuries. If your car is operational, try to move it over to the shoulder of the road or into a nearby parking lot.
2. Call 911: once you’re safe, call 911 immediately. This call is important for two reasons. One, it will ensure that paramedics are on the way so that they can treat anyone who has been injured. Secondly, it will also notify the police about the accident. It’s important to notify the police so that they can arrive on the scene and file a police report. This police report serves as an objective account of the accident and can prove critical if you pursue a personal injury suit.
3. Exchange insurance information: while waiting for the police to arrive, you should exchange insurance information and basic contact information with any other drivers. Don’t feel pressured, however, to divulge any more information than just those basics. Additionally, never admit fault—even if you believe you could have been partially at fault. Keep it simple and only provide basic contact information and that concerning your insurance provider.
4. Gather evidence: additionally, you can also gather evidence from the scene of the crash. This can also prove useful in case you pursue legal action. Two types of evidence will be the most beneficial: photos from the crash and eyewitness accounts. Take photos (using your phone is fine) of any vehicles involved, especially any damage that occurred. You should also take pictures of the scene, including any property that may have been damaged as well.
5. Call a personal injury attorney: your second call is an important one. After you’ve received medical attention, consider reaching out to an experienced personal injury law firm. These legal experts can help you assess your case and determine whether or not you may be eligible for financial compensation. Even if you believe you were partially at fault, a personal injury lawyer can help you understand your options from a legal perspective and find the best course of action to remedy your injuries.
6. Consult a chiropractor or other healthcare professional: after a crash, you may not even realize you’re injured. This is because adrenaline is surging through your body, which can mask any immediate pain or discomfort. Even if you feel fine after a crash, it’s recommended that you visit a medical professional. Many people are surprised to learn that visiting your local chiropractor and coming up with a plan for car crash recovery can be an effective way to treat lingering injuries and pain following an auto accident.
5 Tips for Preventing Car Accidents
Of course, no one should ever have to be involved in a car accident in the first place. That’s why it’s so important to practice safe and responsible driving habits to reduce the risk of a crash and to keep our roads safer for everyone.
Consider the following tips to help prevent the risk of car accidents:
· Keep your distance from other vehicles (allowing yourself enough time and space to stop in case of changing road conditions).
· Properly manage your speed and always obey posted speed limits.
· Never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol (even one alcoholic drink can impair your ability to drive safely).
· Avoid adverse weather conditions when possible.
· Keep up with regular maintenance on your vehicle.
Conclusion – What to Do After a Car Accident
Being involved in an auto accident is a frightening and confusing experience. No matter the severity of the incident, it’s natural to be scared, confused, and left unsure of how to proceed next. Of course, it’s essential to first check on the safety of yourself, your passengers, and any other drivers involved. Once your car is in a safe place (if this is possible), call 911 so that the police and medical help will be on the way. Getting an official police report gives you a credible and objective account of the accident in case you pursue a personal injury claim.
After you’ve exchanged insurance information, try to get evidence from the crash scene. Photos of the damage and eyewitness accounts may both prove essential if you end up filing a personal injury suit after the accident. You should also contact an experienced car accident attorney. If you are experiencing lingering injuries or discomfort from the accident, call on a local chiropractor who may be able to provide treatment for your injuries.
