What Should You Do After a Car Accident?

10 Steps to take after a car accident

To protect your legal rights as a wronged victim there are several steps that would be a good idea to take in the immediate aftermath of an accident. It might be difficult to think when being involved in a collision but staying calm and cooperating with other parties involved as well as emergency services will do you better than harm.

After a car accident you should:

1. Stay at the scene of the accident

No matter what type of collision it was, staying at the scene of the incident and trying not to panic will help you react quickly and help other people involved as well as assess your injuries and property damage in the best way possible for you.

2. Check yourself for injuries

Take into account that because of the adrenaline in your system because of the incident it might be difficult to truly assess the gravity of your injuries and you might not feel immediate pain from them. Still, check yourself for any grave injuries, if you can assist others in checking for injuries, do so.

3. Move to a safe location

If your car creates a safety hazard after an accident such as gasoline leaking or obstructing coming traffic, move to a safe location in the vicinity of the accident, but don’t leave the scene.

4. Call 911

Even if you get in a minor accident, calling the police or emergency services is important for you to get initial treatment for any injuries suffered from the accident. Just as well, the police will note down the details of the accidents and file a police report which will help you note down the important information of the event. Remember to ask for a copy of the police report.

5. Exchange

information with others involved

Ask for contact information like the driver’s full name, home address, e-mail, phone number, driver’s license, insurance company, and policy number, and license plates. Give the same information to the other party as well, also note down the relationship of the driver with the vehicle involved in an accident if he is not the owner as well as the model and color of the vehicle. 

Don’t forget to do the same with witnesses of the accident or those who were on the roadside assistance. Never sign anything that doesn’t come from the police, even if it’s from your own insurance company

6. Take pictures of the scene

Document the collision with your cell phone. Take pictures of the vehicles involved, the general scene of the accident, property damage, injuries, and road hazards. You can also take pictures of the driver’s license and license plates of the other vehicle. It is advisable to also take pictures of insurance documents in case your notes are misplaced, or some detail is written down incorrectly.

7. Record everything that happened

Write down everything the way you remember it. Include the approximate time, weather, and road conditions. Try to also note down how other vehicles were behaving around you. The way you note the details is up to you but recording everything will help you in your personal injury and property damage claims.

8. Keep a civil conversation

Emotions will be running high after an accident that’s for sure, but always keep it civil and polite with other parties involved, the police and medical personnel helping you in the accident. Running your mouth and being in an altered state will do you more harm than good.

9. Report the accident to your insurance

Promptly notify your auto insurance agent about the accident but don’t reveal anything more than what you need to nor make any statements or otherwise regarding liability. Notifying you is the easiest way to start a car accident claim.

10. Contact a Personal Injury Attorney

While insurance companies will tell you that they can handle your claim and give you compensation, the amount they offer most likely will equal the breadcrumbs of what you deserve. An experienced personal injury attorney will thoroughly analyze all the evidence to help you determine the real compensation you deserve.

Not only that but a good California personal injury lawyer will help you get the appropriate medical treatment through a medical lien for your treatment to not hurt your wallet.

Also, a personal injury lawyer will be able to navigate through all the insurance companies’ tricks and is well versed in insurance codes and laws. He will save you all the stress of dealing with insurance companies on your own so you can get the best settlement offer possible.