Car accidents can be life-altering occurrences, unexpected, and often traumatic. In the year 2019, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data revealed a significant improvement in traffic saftey in the US.
Car accidents happen fast and the wreckage that ensues can be intimidating however, the following steps could help you in protecting your health, rights, and other travelers.
Immediate Responses After An Accident
Check for Injuries
If you’re injured, then the first step you want to do is seek medical attention by calling emergency services. If you’re unable to do so and riding with other passengers, then ask them to do so. If you’re alone, then call out to any witnesses and direct someone to help you. Accidents involving multiple parties often cause a commotion and this could be advantageous to you if you need help finding medical assistance. If your injuries feel or appear serious, try not to move, unless absolutely necessary, until medical staff arrives.
Check on the Well-being of Your Passengers
If someone else was riding with you, and your injuries aren’t too severe, then check in with your other passengers, especially children who may be riding in safety restraints in the rear of the vehicle. A quick check-in with them can also help you to alert medical professionals of the urgency of the situation as well as help ease their tensions after such a traumatic experience.
Check for Safety
An accident, especially those on busy highways or in blind turns, may be a hazard to other drivers and cause further accidents. If your car is still mobile but in a hazardous position, then it would behoove you to move it to the side of the road if it can be done safely.
If you feel that it’s in a safe position, or don’t see any oncoming traffic then you may want to get some pictures of the vehicle where it is first before moving it. This could help your car accident lawyer defend your case at a later date but most importantly your safety and the safety of other travelers is the immediate priority.
Call the Police
A police report is an essential document in a civil case or settlement. Also, the police can perform drug and alcohol checks if someone was operating their vehicle under the influence. In some US states, it is legally required to call the police after an accident. Even if police are unable to come to the scene of the accident, you can go to the nearest police station and file a report there.
Wait at the Scene
Turn off your vehicle and wait for help to arrive. Activate your hazard lights to warn other oncoming traffic and light road flares to mark off the scene of the accident and warn other travelers to reduce their speed and avoid accidents.
Document Everything
While you wait at the scene of the crime you can take photos and videos of the accident, property damage, road skids, debris, and surrounding environment. Also this would be a good opportunity to gather information from the other driver like their name, contact information, car make and model, license plate and license number, and their insurance information.
Speak with witnesses and if they allow you, record video of their testimony, and get their contact information as well. This information may be all-important to recovering damages in your case.
Start the Claims Process
Notify your insurer about the accident and consult with a car accident attorney about recuperating your losses. Contacting them could be poignant in recovering from the accident’s trauma.
Photo by Zhang Kaiyv on Pexels.
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