Millions of people each year are involved in a car accident, and being in a car accident can be a very traumatic experience. Your emotions are running high, and you might be injured. After having a car accident, there are several things you need to do to protect yourself.
Do not Leave
You should never leave the scene of an accident. The crash and injuries might seem minor; however, you need to stay there until help arrives. You can face serious charges if you leave, especially if someone else is injured.
Make sure the Scene is Safe
Before you get out of the car, make sure you and others are safe. You do not want to walk into the flow of traffic, or you do not want to step on a downed power line. Your first instinct is to check on the other driver or passengers; however, you do not need to put yourself in harm’s way while doing so.
Check for Injuries
After the scene is safe, you need to check on the other people involved in the crash. If there is a possibility of injuries, large or small, you need to call 911. If a victim is unconscious or has pain in the neck or back, do not move them. Moving them can cause further injury. Make sure you stay calm and try to keep any victims calm. Do not panic.
Get Information from Police
When the police arrive, make sure you ask police to file a police report. You want to get the name and badge number of the officer in charge. If there are no serious injuries, only property damage, you want to make sure the police are called to the scene. Your insurance company might want a copy of the police report.
Take Notes
It is important to record everything that happened. You want to get information from the other driver, such as name, phone number, address, driver’s license number, and license plate number. You also want to get their insurance information.
Interview Witnesses and take Pictures
If anyone witnessed the accident, talk to them to see what they saw. Ask them their name, phone number, and address. Get your cell phone out and snap pictures of the vehicles if they have sustained damage. Make sure you do not get in the way of the police.
Call your Insurance Company
You need to inform your insurance of the accident. Be honest with them, tell them exactly what happened and if you are injured. You can get into trouble if the insurance company discovers that you were dishonest with them. Make sure you get a copy of the police report.
Seek Medical Attention
In some cases, injuries do not pop up until several hours or even a day after the accident. If you think you are injured, go to the emergency room and see a doctor. Keep track of any doctor’s or therapists you see, and keep track of what treatment you receive. Make sure you get a copy of the medical report and your medical bill.
Call your Lawyer
A lawyer can help protect your rights. He can help you receive compensation for injuries, pain and suffering, medical bills, and lost wages. You may even be eligible for disability following an accident. He will communicate with the insurance company, and he will give you advice on how to proceed.
Call us today at any of our office locations for a free consultation.
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