Newstricky| About six million car accidents occur in the US. Meanwhile, two million drivers experience permanent injuries due to these crashes as well. If you were recently in a crash, it’s important to know exactly what to do after a car accident.
Otherwise, you might struggle to gather the evidence you need to file a car accident lawsuit. As a result, you’ll have to pay for damages, medical bills, and other expenses out of pocket.
Read on to discover what to do after a car accident to protect your best interests today!
Table of Contents
Move to Safety Nearby
First, take a breath. Immediately after a car accident, you might feel anxious, stressed, or disoriented. Try to remain calm as you recall what to do after a car accident.
Otherwise, failing to follow these steps might impact your ability to fight for compensation. In fact, acting out of anger might do more harm than good.
Once you’ve collected yourself, focus on moving to a safe area nearby. Try to stay near the site of the crash.
Before moving your vehicle, make sure it’s safe to drive. If there’s liquid leaking from your car, remain at a safe distance. If you’re not sure if the car is safe to drive, wait for the police to arrive.
They can ensure your safety.
Otherwise, put your hazard lights on and move out of the way of incoming traffic. Remaining on the road could cause another accident.
Don’t leave the scene of the crash. In some cases, you could get charged with a hit and run if you leave. You could also face legal consequences if someone died as a result of the accident.
Remain near the site of the crash until police arrive.
Call the Police
In some states, you’re obligated to call the police immediately after a car accident. If you’re unsure about the laws in your state, call to cover your bases.
Calling the police will ensure an official police report is on record for the crash. Their report could help determine who was at fault for the accident. For example, the police might charge someone with a traffic violation.
If the other driver made an illegal turn or was negligent on the road, your lawyer could argue their negligence caused your injuries.
When the police arrive, don’t embellish. Don’t apologize or admit fault for the crash, either.
The police will interview everyone who was involved in the crash. They might also interview any witnesses at the scene.
Their report will note any property damage, deaths, and physical injuries.
After speaking to the police, ask if they can send you a copy of their report. Otherwise, make sure to get their name and badge number. Your lawyer might need to contact the officer who arrived at the scene of the crash in the future.
Assess Injuries
While you wait for the police to arrive at the scene of the accident, take a moment to assess your injuries. You might leave a minor accident with only a few cuts and bruises.
In other cases, you could break a bone, sustain a back injury, or experience whiplash.
If you experience back pain after a car accident, make sure to visit a pain specialist or chiropractor. Beginning treatment right away could help you avoid complications.
Visit a doctor regardless of whether or not you experience symptoms. A doctor can complete a full assessment of your health and wellbeing. Their report might benefit your lawsuit in the future.
For example, the doctor might indicate you’ve sustained a lasting injury.
Keep track of your appointments, medications, and treatments. Your lawyer will use these documents to calculate the full extent of your losses.
Request Information
As you wait for the police to arrive, gather information from all other parties involved in the crash. For example, you’ll need their:
- Name
- Driver’s license information
- Phone number
- Address
- Insurance information
- Car make and model
- License plate number
Avoid small talk when speaking with the other driver. Don’t admit fault, assign blame, or apologize. Sometimes, an apology is viewed as an admission of guilt.
Gather Evidence
Before leaving the scene of the crash, gather information.
- The vehicles involved
- Your injuries
- Nearby street signs or landmarks
- The road
Take notes, too. It’s normal to forget certain details long after a crash. This will ensure you don’t forget anything important.
For example, you might want to note the weather, road conditions, and the date/time of the accident.
Call Your Insurance Company
Your insurance adjuster can walk you through the process. They can help you determine what to do after a car accident to maximize your claim.
Don’t forget to gather video and photo evidence before leaving the scene of the crash.
Contact a Lawyer
Not sure when to call a lawyer after a car accident? When in doubt, call anyway to determine your legal options. Contacting a lawyer can help ensure you file a lawsuit in a timely manner.
It can also protect your interests if the other driver wants to sue you for the accident.
You can click for more here when considering your legal options.
Complete These Steps After a Car Accident and Fight for Compensation
If you plan on filing a lawsuit after a crash, remember what to do after a car accident. Completing these steps will help you gather the evidence you need.
Know when to call a lawyer after a car accident to protect your best interests.
Searching for more tips? You’re in the right place.
