Car accidents happen when you least expect it and you cannot really prepare for them. You can think about how you would react but even you plan for it and have a contingency plan, it is all about your reaction time at that very moment. If you want to lover your chances at ever being involved in one, all you can do is take driving seriously, practice safe driving, and think about it as a responsibility. If you still happen to be involved in a car accident, there is a procedure that has to take place.
First of all, you will need to consider hiring a lawyer to handle your case. Doing things on your own and defending yourself against the claims of other participants in the accidents is not something we recommend. Hiring the right attorney will not only help you get compensation but he or she will also act as your negotiator and representative. If you were injured in the accident due to the fault of others, you will also need a personal injury lawyer who is well informed about good hospitals. They will ensure you get the right and best medical care.
In this article we wanted to lend you a helping hand and talk about what exactly needs to happen on your end if you are ever involved in a car accident. Let us look at some of the crucial steps you should follow after a car accident. For more info on this, particularly in terms of car accident lawyers, make sure to check out caraccidentlawyer-ny.com.
Source: Pinterest.com
Contents
Steps to Follow After a Car Accident
What many people involved in traffic accidents forget about is the strict code of ethics following the accident. It does not matter if you are the one to blame or if you are the victim, the following steps are important for everyone so that every side can get out of the whole mess as quickly and efficiently as possible. Failing to behave as needed in the time immediately following the accident results in prolonged cases and nobody needs that. Therefore, consider the following things if you are ever involved in a car accident.
1. Do Not Leave the Scene After the Accident
Never leave the scene of an accident, regardless of how serious or minor it seems. The act of leaving instantly becomes the act of fleeing the scene and a violation of the Road Traffic Act. To warn other road users of the crash, make sure that the engine is switched off and that your warning lights are turned on. If it is dark and the lights are not working anymore, bring a flashlight to keep you safe while waiting for the officers to arrive. Also, mark a safe distance behind your car to make oncoming traffic of the accident and prevent further danger.
Source: caranddriver.com
2. Contact the Police
Even if the injuries are minor, contacting the police is beneficial. You need a police report when filing a claim with your insurance provider, so it is best to call 911 as soon as possible. If there is no obstruction to traffic, the vehicles involved in the collision should not be moved. Ensure your passengers and yourself are safe and not injured. If you are in the middle of the road and endangering others, you can either mark the area and direct the traffic or pull to the side of the road.
Get medical help right away if you have been injured. Even if the injuries are severe, avoid moving and wait for assistance. If you are not too hurt to move, check on the other passengers in your own and in the other vehicles. If anyone is injured, call 911 or have a passerby call for assistance.
3. Take Notes
It is essential to make a journal of the events that led to the accident. This will help your personal injury lawyer when presenting your case to court. This also helps because your memory is fresh and you could remember everything then and there. Think about the weather, about the circumstances leading up to the crash, and how the other vehicles behaved on the road. Was anyone speeding and who is to blame?
Source: blog.directauto.com
4. Photograph Everything
Take photos of the vehicles if there is noticeable damage. You can also photograph any apparent injuries. Remember to photograph the plates in case the other vehicle attempts to flee. Interfering in an ongoing police investigation is not advisable. If you are unable to take photographs at the crash scene, do so as soon as possible afterwards or before the police arrives.
5. Exchange Information
Get the other drivers’ information such as their phone numbers, license plates, email addresses, insurance company information, and residential addresses. This information is very crucial, as it will help you when filing a claim and working on the case with your lawyer. You should also write down the contact information of any witnesses as your lawyer can use them to support your case in the future.
Source: bodyworksmed.com
6. Make a Report About the Accident
As soon as possible, notify the insurance provider. Check to see if the insurance policy includes medical care. Many policies necessitate prompt reporting and complete cooperation. This needs to happen as soon as you are cleared to leave following your injuries, and when you are allowed to leave the accident scene.
7. Seek Medical Care
After a vehicle accident, be sure you get immediate medical assistance even if you are feeling well. Sometimes, patients realize days later that they sustained injuries in the accident. It is best to be on the safe side and see a doctor as soon as possible. You will need your medical report to build a case anyway. Your lawyer will have an easier job if the medical report is there to support your claims.
Source: molchanlaw.com
Protect Your Rights
There is usually a lot of confusion after a car accident. You may not know who to turn to and whom to trust in these crucial and desperate times. Seeking the help of a personal injury lawyer can be your best course of action. They will make sure you get the best medical treatment available and ensure you get total compensation. Personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means there is no legal fee unless the attorney recovers compensation for your injuries.
