You are driving along as you normally do and out of nowhere you are involved in a car accident or other type of wreck. This sudden traumatic activity can be disorienting and scary.
The following are some smart steps that you can take if you are involved in an accident.
Look After Your Safety
The first thing to do if you are involved in a car crash or other type is to ensure your safety and those with you.
- If you believe yourself or others may have suffered a serious injury, contact 911 immediately.
- Only if you are in the condition to do so, and your vehicle is as well, move your vehicle out of traffic if possible.
- Contact the police or sheriff’s department to report the accident, no matter how minor you think it may be at the time. Often people operate off adrenaline right after an accident and may not realize that they are injured right away.
Gather Information And Potential Evidence After Car Accident
If you’ve been injured in a car, motorcycle, or truck accident, gathering the right evidence is crucial should you decide to pursue a personal injury claim.
- Get name, contact, driver’s license, insurance, and vehicle registration information for the other driver. An easy way to do this is by taking photos with your cell phone.
- Speaking of photos, take those along with some videos of the accident scene including damage to both vehicles if safe to do so.
- Stick with the facts when speaking with the police or the other driver. Do not admit fault or make statements that could be used against you later.
- Find out from the police when a police report will be available and where you can get a copy of it. Be sure to follow up and get that report in hand.
Contact Your Insurance Company To Let Them Know That You Have Been In A Wreck
Make a call to your insurance company to let them know that you have been in a car accident and provide the date, time, and location information. Insurance may ask, but you are not required to make a detailed, recorded statement about the wreck at that time if you feel more comfortable checking with an attorney beforehand instead.
Then the attorney can work with you/on your behalf to communicate further with the insurance company.
Keep All Your Records After Car Accident Or Other Accident
In addition to the information gathered at the accident scene, be sure to collect and put in a safe place your:
- Medical receipts, imaging scans, or other relevant information from doctors.
- Written communication between yourself and any involved parties.
- Any estimates from mechanics or body repair shops regarding repair of your vehicle.
Remember to consult a personal injury attorney if you have been injured or suffered other damage so that you will be aware of your rights and have assistance in pursuing fair compensation if needed.
