12 Tips To Follow After A Car Accident
Car accidents happen all the time. As a result, there is a consistent risk of harm to individuals due to these accidents. Even a slight mishap might leave you feeling shaken up, so it helps to be prepared for what to do afterward.
Today we will talk about 12 tips to follow after a car accident. Hopefully, you’ll never have to use these, but if you are ever in a car accident, these steps will help you to ensure everyone’s safety, comply with the law and initiate the insurance claim process.
1. Leave the Cars Where They are
If you’ve ever investigated the scene of a car accident, you know that the vehicles’ positions reveal a lot about what occurred.
Officers looking into an accident will frequently utilize the locations of the cars afterward to determine blame and issue tickets.
But if leaving a car in its post-accident position poses a risk of further damage or harm, it should be relocated. Put simply, if at all possible, do not disturb the collision scene until law enforcement has arrived and taken photographs.
2. Employ A Car Accident Injury Attorney
Contacting a qualified personal injury lawyer to help you file a claim against the culprit is your first priority after a car accident. When the insurance companies ask for a statement about the accident, your lawyer may stand in for you and make sure your rights are protected.
You can find great lawyers based on where you live. For example, if you are from Orlando, find a criminal defense lawyers Orlando to walk you through various processes and guidance.
3. Get Yourself and Your Car Away from Danger
If the accident was small and there were no injuries, you should move your vehicle to the side of the road.
Turn on your warning lights and place flares or reflective emergency triangles to warn other cars. Nonetheless, if the collision was more serious or if someone was harmed, the automobiles should be left where they are.
Car accidents involve several dangers, including gas tank leaks, flames, exploding airbags, and other passengers, drivers, and bystanders.
If remaining in your car seems dangerous after an accident, please exit the vehicle and seek shelter immediately. You may wait on the side of the road or on the highway shoulder.
4. Get Yourself Checked Out
As soon as possible after a car or truck accident, you should be checked out by a doctor.
There are two reasons why this is crucial: it will aid in the diagnosis and treatment of your injuries, and it will generate proof of your injuries.
5. Help Anybody Who Seems to be Hurt
Try to stop the bleeding. If you can, provide any other kind of first aid. If an ambulance is required, call for one immediately.
As far as possible, avoid moving a badly wounded individual unless doing so is absolutely required.
6. Record the Situation Using Your Phone
If you’re in a position to play the role of private investigator yourself. Take pictures with your phone of the wrecked cars, the roadside debris, and any possible reasons for the incident. You must keep your photographs safe since they can be used as evidence.
However, the photographs might be very helpful in establishing your case. Photograph the other driver’s insurance card, license, and license plate.
If the other driver seems to be under the influence of alcohol, you can utilize your phone’s video recording capability to capture evidence of slurred speech or other impairments.
7. Call the Emergency Services When You’re Safe
An accident should always be documented by a law enforcement official. Insurance firms and legal teams rely on these reports to learn crucial information about the accident, such as who was at fault and who was insured.
Take down the name, badge number, and contact information of the police officer when they show up.
It is essential that you get a copy of the police report after the accident. If the police don’t show up, you can still obtain a copy of the report by contacting the agency directly or going via the insurance company.
8. Alert Incoming Vehicles
Keep your lights on or put out flares if you must drive at night. If oncoming drivers aren’t adequately informed, you might be held financially responsible for any injuries they sustain.
9. Be True to Your Word
When the police come, it’s essential that you provide a detailed description of what happened. If you don’t know anything for sure, don’t hypothesize or create assumptions.
If there are any details about the collision that you are unsure about, be sure to tell the police. Make sure the opposite party gives truthful comments about the accident, if at all feasible.
10. Don’t Lie to Your Doctor or Lawyer
Concealing information or lying about anything might undermine your case. Not disclosing prior problems might undermine your case.
The insurance company can use it against you as evidence that you are not telling the truth. In situations involving injuries, proving your credibility is essential.
11. Reach Out to Your Insurance Provider
You should always tell your insurance provider after an accident, even if you’re tempted to settle for cash to avoid filing a claim. Follow the path of advanced technology.
Many insurance companies now provide digital resources (e.g. a mobile app) to kick off the claims procedure digitally. Refer to the information provided on your insurance card or dial the toll-free number for assistance.
12. Be patient during the whole process
Don’t lose your cool in the midst of this. Keep your cool while waiting for an insurance payout. As a general rule, you may not be able to collect on a settlement until you have either fully healed from your injuries after receiving all necessary medical treatment, or your injuries have been treated to the point where they have improved as much as they can. This could take a long time, maybe even years. If litigation is necessary, more time may be needed depending on factors including the nature of the case, the court’s docket, the availability of witnesses, and so on. If you want to heal from your wounds, you should do yourself a favor and be patient throughout the process.
Conclusion
Car accidents are dangerous for many reasons, including the physical and emotional harm they can do to everyone involved.
If you’re ever in a situation involving emergency services, injuries, or insurance claims, following the above tips will help you handle the situation more smoothly.
