Between 20 and 50 million victims of accidents experience non-fatal injuries, but many of them may still experience disabilities. If you’ve been in a car accident, whether it was a minor accident or a major collision, you might be too traumatized to think clearly. It’s crucial to arm yourself with some knowledge beforehand, whether or not you’ve been in a car accident.
The most crucial action after a car accident is to call an accident lawyer who will be representing the injured party, i.e. you. They will protect your rights, fight for just compensation for you, and eventually defend you. Here is a detailed list of actions to do both at the scene and afterward to facilitate the compensation procedure.
1. Keep your composure and refrain from escaping the accident scene
A criminal charge may be the result of leaving the scene of an accident. Therefore, facing the incident and its repercussions will be better if you maintain your composure.
2. Lookout for injuries
Make sure there are no visible bruises on you or any other occupants in your car. If it seems that someone is injured, either in your car or another car involved in the collision, call the emergency services or ask somebody else to do it. Try to stay still if you are severely hurt until assistance can arrive.
3. Take your vehicle off the roadway
Clearing the road, if at all possible, and parking it on the sidelines where it won’t obstruct oncoming traffic is crucial. Another important action to take if a collision occurs at night is to turn on your brake lights so that other cars can see you.
Further, if you can’t move your car and are not severely injured, get yourself and everybody else involved in the collision to a secure place away from the roadway. For diverting traffic around an accident, an emergency kit with lights or bright flags are beneficial.
4. Verify both vehicles for damages
Take some time to inspect the wreckage of the vehicles if you are safe and are able to perform so. If the automobiles haven’t been moved, try to snap images of the damage to each car as well as their current location. If you are unable to take images, you might want to consider sketching a schematic of the accident while it is still recent in your mind.
5. Sharing of information with the driver in opposition
According to each state’s laws, there are different things you must tell the other driver after the incident. At the very least, you would have to exchange identities and insurance information. However, you may also try to compile more relevant information, like:
- The other driver’s contact information.
- Brand and type of the vehicle owned by the driver in opposition.
- Contact information and name of any eyewitnesses of the occurrence.
- Name, registration number, and contact details for any law enforcement agents who are at the scene of the collision.
6. Notify the incident to your insurance provider
If you’re in a car accident, your insurance is there to safeguard your finances. Thus, you must contact your insurance provider as quickly as possible. Several statutes call for prompt reporting and complete compliance.
Check your insurance policy to see if it includes medical benefits. If you pay extra for such kind of coverage, also referred to as “med pay,” then you ought to take advantage of it. Additionally, your car’s damage will be covered by your policy’s accident coverage. The benefits of your usual health insurance will also apply.
The procedure for filing claims and the required information varies depending on the insurance carrier. Any supporting documentation, such as a copy of the police statement, photographs, and information on the other vehicle, should be available when asked for. Next, your case will be assigned to an adjuster by your insurance provider, who will evaluate any losses or casualties to estimate the amount that the company will pay to resolve the claim.
7. Speak with a car accident lawyer
The most crucial action you should take following an accident is probably to speak with a car accident lawyer, as we discussed above. In addition to ensuring that important evidence is not lost, your attorney will safeguard your rights.
Insurance companies frequently need statements right away following an accident. It’s crucial that you obtain legal counsel before making such a statement. The lawyer can provide you advice on everything from how to ensure you receive the best medical care possible and see to it that you are adequately compensated by the party that was at fault. Car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, so there is no cost unless they are successful in getting you compensation for your injuries.
Bottom Line
It is essential to keep in mind that a car collision may have long-lasting impacts. Following an accident, you should take immediate action to protect your interests so that you are ready for anything that might occur. If you adhere to these guidelines after suffering damages in a car crash, a car accident attorney will be able to present the best possible scenario on your behalf.