What to Do After a Car Accident

Do you know what to do after a car accident? Even a low-speed collision can leave you feeling shaken, but it is important to know what to do so that you can make sure that everyone is safe and that appropriate action is taken. There are a few key steps that should be taken after being involved in a car accident and this could make a big difference, especially if you decide to go down the legal route. Hopefully, this will be information that you never need, but it is better to be safe than sorry as car accidents are incredibly common.

Check for Injuries & Get to Safety

The very first step to take is to check yourself for injuries and any passengers in your car. You will need to call emergency services if someone has been injured and keep in mind that many injuries do not present themselves immediately, so it is a good idea to get checked over anyway. If you can, you should then move your car to safety at the side of the road.

Call the Police

In many states, calling the police is a legal requirement even after a minor collision. Calling the police is helpful because they will be able to help everyone through the process and ensure safety.

Exchange Information

While waiting for the police, you should exchange contact information and insurance details with the other driver(s). When interacting with the other party, try to remain calm and avoid placing or taking the blame for the accident. Instead, make sure that they are ok and exchange key information with one another.

Document the Scene

It is then a good idea to document the scene as much as you can. You should make a note of exactly what happened on your phone and include things like the time, weather conditions, and any other important information. You should also take photos of the accident site, the damage done to vehicles and property and any injuries that have been sustained by people involved. It is also helpful to get the contact information of any witnesses that saw the event. This will be key for determining who was at fault for the accident and could make a personal injury claim a lot easier to win if you decide to go down this route.

Notify Your Insurance Company

Even if you do not plan on making a claim, it is still important that you notify your insurance company as soon as possible after the accident. If your vehicle is damaged, your insurance company can arrange for it to be towed and for onward travel.

Speak to a Personal Injury Lawyer

If you (or a passenger) suffer an injury from the accident and you believe that it was not your fault, then you could be entitled to compensation. You will want to speak to a specialist personal injury attorney like Bonville & Howard that will be able to represent you and seek compensation on your behalf. Compensation can cover the damages of the accident, including any current and future loss of earnings because of the accident. Compensation will not turn back time, but it can make the future much easier to manage if you are hurt in an accident.

These are the key steps that you should take if you are ever in a car accident. This can be a traumatic experience for everyone involved to go through that leaves you shaken, but the right steps must be taken so that you can ensure safety as well as develop a clear sequence of events.