The shock and chaos can be overwhelming when you’re in a car accident. It’s essential to take a few minutes after the accident to collect yourself and get your bearings before taking further action. Here are some things you should do after being in a car accident.
Stop and Move to Safety
The first thing to do after being in a car accident is to stop and move to safety. Never flee the scene of an accident. This can be difficult, especially if you are injured, or your vehicle is blocking traffic. However, getting out on the road as soon as possible is crucial to avoid being hit by another vehicle.
Once you are in a safe location, you can assess the damage to your vehicle and yourself. Call the police and wait for them to arrive if you can. If you are unable, try flagging another driver for help. In either case, do not leave the accident scene until it is safe to do so.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Your insurance company will be able to open a claim and start the process of investigating the accident. Even if you are not at fault, it is essential to notify your insurer so that they can be aware of the situation and take appropriate action. In addition, many insurers have time limits for filing claims, so it is crucial to act quickly.
It is also a good idea to keep track of any medical appointments, repair estimates, and other relevant documentation. This will help the insurance company evaluate your claim and ensure you receive the maximum coverage. By taking this simple step, you can help ensure that you get the compensation you deserve.
Contact an Accident Lawyer
After an accident, you may be tempted to manage the insurance claim on your own. However, there are many good reasons to hire an experienced professional such as an Orlando car accident lawyer. First, insurance companies will do everything possible to minimise the amount they must pay on a claim. An experienced accident lawyer will know how to negotiate to help you get the maximum possible settlement.
Secondly, if someone else’s negligence caused your accident, you may be entitled to punitive damages, which the lawyer can help you with. Finally, you may need long-term medical care and treatment if you’ve been seriously injured in an accident. An experienced accident lawyer will ensure that your future needs are accounted for in your settlement agreement.
Check for Injuries and Seek Medical Help
Even if you feel fine, it is essential to get checked out by a doctor as soon as possible. Internal bleeding or other serious injuries may not be immediately apparent, and it is better to be safe than sorry. If you can, move yourself and any passengers to a secure location away from traffic before checking for injuries.
Once you have ascertained that everyone is alright, call 911 and wait for help to arrive. Do not try to move any patients unless they are in immediate danger. Remember, safety should always be your priority after an accident.
Call the Police
After being in a car accident, it is crucial to call the police. Based on the accident’s severity, the police will either come to the scene or ask that you come to the station to file a report. Having a formal record of the accident is vital, as you can use it to file an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit. In addition, the police traffic incident report can be used as evidence in court if needed. If you do not call the police, proving that the other driver was at fault may be challenging, and you may be liable for any damages.
Take Photos
Taking photos after a car accident can be helpful in many ways. For one, it can provide evidence of the damage to your vehicle. This can be useful when filing an insurance claim or dealing with a repair shop. In addition, photos can also capture essential details about the accident, such as the location of the vehicles or the position of skid marks. These details can be vital in reconstructing what happened and determining who was at fault.
Exchange Insurance Information With the Other Driver
Exchanging insurance information with the other driver is essential as it will help ensure that any vehicle damage is covered by insurance. In addition, getting the contact information of any witnesses who saw the accident is vital. Witness testimony can determine who was at fault in an accident. By exchanging insurance information and taking photos, you can help to protect yourself in the event of a car accident.
After being in a car accident, there are some things you should do to protect yourself and your legal rights. Make sure you take pictures of the scene, get any witnesses’ names and contact information, and seek medical attention if you are injured. You may also want to consult with an attorney to discuss your case and determine the next steps.
