No one wishes for a car crash. However, anyone can be involved in an accident. Some can cause minor injuries, and others can be fatal. That’s why it’s essential to observe traffic rules while on the road and practice safe driving. These two actions can minimize your risk of causing or being involved in an accident.
If the unfortunate happens, it’s natural to feel confused and overwhelmed. What should you do then? Below are six things you should do if you’re ever involved in a car crash:
- Check If Everyone Is Okay
After a vehicle accident, don’t leave the collision site. The crash might be treated as a hit-and-run, which may be considered a felony. Instead, stop and assess if you and your passengers are okay. Also, identify how the other driver is doing.
However, if you’re injured or in severe discomfort, it may be advisable not to move to avoid hurting yourself further or additional pain. It might only be good to get out of the car if you’re in danger of more harm. Otherwise, a first responder will carefully move you after establishing the severity of your injuries.
- Call For Help
The next step is to call your country or state emergency number. The responder will determine what kind of help you need. They’ll advise you on first aid care or anything else you can do before the police or an ambulance gets to you.
Once an officer arrives, note down their badge number, name, and contact details. They’ll record an accident report, which you should request a copy of. You’ll require the document when filing an insurance claim. Your lawyer might also need it to help you get fairly compensated.
If an ambulance arrives at the accident scene, tell them about any discomfort or pain you may be feeling. Also, ensure that the paramedics thoroughly assess you. Some injuries may take time to present their symptoms.
- Contact Your Lawyer
It’s always best to have a good lawyer’s phone number in case an unfortunate happens. Therefore, if you currently don’t, get contact details of Grossman Law Offices Fresno or any other reputable and well-experienced personal injury attorney.
If you get in an accident, the third step is to call your lawyer. An attorney’s primary goal is to ensure that you get a fair settlement for the financial burden resulting from your accident. It may be compensation for your medical expenses, your vehicle damage, and the pain and suffering caused by your injuries. Rather than struggling with all these alone, the lawyer will identify who was responsible for the accident. The party at fault will bear the burden instead.
So, to ensure everything goes well with your case, your attorney will advise you on the next measures to take. It’s best to follow their instructions on what you should or shouldn’t do to avoid hurting your case.
- Exchange Contacts With The Other Driver
It’s advisable to avoid discussing fault with and apologizing or expressing your frustrations to the other driver. That can be used against you by the other party’s insurer. Instead, exchange contacts with them and collect more information such as their:
- Name
- License plate number
- Drivers’ license information
- Make, color, year, and model of their vehicle
- Insurance company details
- Policy number
Although the police will collect this information, it’s best to have your records. It takes a while to obtain a police accident report in some cases. Having the details provided above will help make things less stressful because you could get started with your claim as soon as possible.
- Collect Evidence
Upon acquiring essential information about the other driver, gather as much evidence as you can; you should:
- Record the time and date of the crash.
- Note down the day’s weather.
- Take witnesses’ names and contact details.
- Capture pictures of the accident scene. These photos should show the extent of damage to both cars, your location, the road’s condition, and anything else that could be valuable to your case.
These details might help prove the cause of the crash and identify the party at fault. Also, if the other driver isn’t honest about what occurred, your evidence will help to clear things up.
- Call Your Insurer
It’s vital to talk to your insurer about your accident, despite whose fault it might have been. Ensure you explain everything about the crash and tell them about the other driver’s coverage. Depending on who’s considered at fault, your insurance company will determine how to cover you.
They could also tell you if you can file a claim. If you should, they’ll know what to do to process it and help you get your car restored as quickly as possible. If you have comprehensive insurance, they might also cover your treatment cost.
Conclusion
Despite being careful on the road and observing all traffic rules, another motorist might not be doing the same. If you get into a car crash, check if everyone’s okay. After that, call for help, contact your lawyer, and exchange contacts with the other motorist. Also, collect evidence and tell your insurer about the accident.
