Being involved in a car accident can leave you feeling shaken, and even a collision at a minor speed can cause significant and lasting damage. People often do not know what to do in the aftermath of a car accident because nobody expects to get into an accident. It is crucial that you know how to react in these situations so that you can promote safety and also determine exactly what transpired and take any subsequent action. There are a few key steps to follow directly after an accident which includes not being afraid to let a car accident lawyer help when required. Read on to find out what these are in case you ever find yourself in this situation.
Stop & Check For Injuries
The first step is to stop, turn on your hazard lights and check yourself and others for injuries and to call the emergency services if necessary. Keep in mind that just because you feel no pain does not mean that you are not injured, so it is a good idea to get checked over shortly after the accident. If possible, you should move the car over to the side of the road or call the police if you are blocking the way (or if other motorists flee the scene).
Speak To Other Motorists
Next, you need to speak to the other motorist(s) involved in this collision. Try to remain calm and avoid placing or taking the blame at this point. Instead, make sure that they are ok and then exchange details with one another, including name and address, insurance information, who the registered owner of the car is, and details of any passengers.
Gather Evidence
To create a detailed sequence of events, it is essential to gather as much evidence as possible if you are able to. This will include:
- Photographs of the crash site
- Photographs of property and car damage
- Photographs of injuries
- Dashcam footage
- CCTV footage
- Witness contact information
Call Insurance Company
This is then a good time to notify your insurance company of the accident, even if you do not plan on making a claim. Provide them with your policy number and any details/evidence that you can provide.
Get Legal Support
If the accident was not your fault and you have suffered an injury, such as whiplash, then you will want to seek compensation as it should not be you that foots the bill. You should speak to a law firm that specializes in personal injury claims, such as wh Law, who will be able to construct your case and negotiate on your behalf to seek compensation. This settlement can cover costs such as damage to the vehicle, current and future medical bills, current and future loss of wages and pain and suffering is also factored into the settlement figure.
Being in a car accident can be traumatic and leave you feeling shaken. It is important that you know how to react in this situation so that you can get to safety, receive medical attention and figure out exactly what happens so that you can take action to receive compensation if the accident was not your fault.
