The last thing any driver wants is to see another vehicle barreling towards them uncontrollably or to realize they’ve lost control of their vehicle. Situations like these can lead to accidents on the road that can result in injuries or even fatalities. Unfortunately, even the best drivers can be involved in car accidents at some point in their lives. This is why learning the steps to take following an accident is so important. By following the below tips you will keep yourself safe and help to ensure the entire resolution process goes smoother.
Immediate Steps to Follow
When a car crash occurs, too many drivers get out of their vehicles in a panic immediately where the crash occurred. While making sure you are safe should be a top priority, get your vehicle out of traffic as soon as possible by pulling over to the shoulder, into a parking lot, or anywhere you can. Secondary accidents can be even more deadly than initial wrecks to be sure you are in a safe area when assessing the situation.
If there have been injuries in the crash, call emergency services as soon as possible so that paramedics can attend to the injured. Police aren’t always required for small accidents so use your best judgment in that regard. Once you have made sure you and anybody inside your vehicle are safe, head over to the other driver to check up on them and exchange contact information.
Document the Accident: What You Need to Get
Perhaps the most important step you need to remember is gathering key evidence after a car crash to document what happened. Take photos of any damage to your vehicle and the other vehicle as well as the scene of the accident in case there was property damage. If there were any minor injuries get photos of those as well. Also, make a note of what time the accident occurred and check the street signs to see where the incident occurred as well.
Another part of the documentation process that drivers often overlook is gathering witnesses who may have seen the crash. Speak with those standing around after the accident to see if they’d be willing to give a statement to the authorities on what occurred.
Notifying Your Insurance Company
In the immediate aftermath of the car accident, once you get home, you should contact your insurance company to inform them of what occurred. While the specific length of time to report the accident to insurance can vary by state, it is usually within 24-48 hours. This isn’t the point where you will talk to an insurance adjustor, rather you will give them high level details and then follow their instructions on what to do next.
Seek Medical Attention
Once you have informed your insurance company of what has occured, get yourself to a doctors office to assess for injuries. Even if you don’t feel injured you should get checked out as you may have internal injuries that you were previously unaware of. Keep a receipt of any medical attention-related visits you have as you may be able to be reimbursed for these if the other driver is found at fault for the accident. Above all else, follow your doctor’s orders to ensure you don’t accidentally injure yourself more following the accident.
Legal Considerations
Once you are certain any injuries you had are healing it’s time to reach out to an attorney about what has occurred, especially if the other driver caused the action due to negligence. This could be something as simple as the other driving texting on their phone and causing the crash, eating behind the wheel, or just making an extremely poor judgment decision. Personal injury attorneys can help you figure out what legal action you may have and can look at the evidence you’ve gathered to see if there is a potential lawsuit.
Dealing with Insurance Claims
Assuming you are not going the legal route and are sticking to insurance claims only, be prepared to follow the instructions of your insurance company explicitely. This will most likely involve submitting all evidence you have gathered and speaking with an insurance adjustor whose job is to figure out what percentage of blame you have in the accident. Try to avoid getting frustrated with an insurance adjustor by reminding yourself that they are simply doing their jobs, so even if it sounds like they are doubting your story they are probably just trying to gather all the facts.
Additional Tips to Keep in Mind
On an annual basis, around 6 million car accidents happen on the road going to show their prevalence. While the following tips may not help you recoup money following an accident, they will help to give you peace of mind and navigate the aftermath:
- Keep a diary: Document your experiences and emotions following the accident.
- Seek support: Talk to friends, family, or a therapist for emotional support.
- Stay informed: Research your legal rights and the insurance claims process.
Being involved in a car accident can be a terrifying experience that leaves you with PTSD and unwillingness to get behind the wheel of a car. However, with enough time having passed, you will be able to get yourself back on the road with perhaps more money in your pocket following the resolution of a successful personal injury lawsuit.
Keep yourself safe on the road today
Even small fender benders can leave drivers with persistent and frustrating injuries, which is why avoiding a crash as much as possible is important. Sometimes an accident is unavoidable, though, so knowing what to do in the aftermath will help keep you safe and ensure everything following occurs legally. Use all of the above tips if you find yourself in a wreck and reach out to an accredited personal injury lawyer if yo
