Getting into a car accident is traumatic and can jolt you mentally just as much as it can physically. It can be a confusing time and knowing what to do next and in what order is tough. For this reason, we’re providing a quick guide for anyone left wondering what they should do after being involved in one.
Move the Vehicle to Safety, If Possible
Some accidents are just that, while others are staged as a precursor to something worse. The difference is usually whether the accident is on a public road with plenty of vehicles and other people around or it’s on a back road. If a car had been riding the rear of your vehicle for a few miles before the accident occurred, then stay in the locked vehicle and call the authorities.
If you feel safe to act, then pull the vehicle safely off to the side of the road away from other traffic. Should the vehicle not be drivable, it’s best to exit it and stand off to the side. However, don’t leave the scene of the accident altogether.
Check for Injuries
Check yourself and other passengers for obvious injuries. An injury isn’t always visible. Whiplash from a fast deceleration, as well as knocking your head or knee on the dash may not show an obvious immediate bruise either. Also, bear in mind that internal injuries can occur with serious accidents too. It’s always best to be checked over at the hospital to be sure, especially if it’ll become a personal injury case later.
Contacting 911
It is often legally necessary to contact 911 to report an accident. It depends on the state as to how long you have to do so. Some states have special codes to text and report an accident. Others will require contacting the authorities by phone. If you’re driving outside of your state of residence, then calling 911 is best.
If you need an ambulance due to the extent of your injuries, then it may be necessary to call for one. Police will need to be notified of this to avoid being accused of leaving the scene inappropriately (the authorities need to know how to subsequently reach you).
What Next?
Next, you’ll need to make sure you do the following:
Swap Insurance Information
Talk with the other drivers to swap insurance information. This will be necessary to make an insurance claim. If you feel it’s unsafe to do so, then wait for the police to arrive to complete this action.
Take Photos or a Video of the Scene
A reputable law firm would advise you to take as many photos of the scene (or video) as you can, including tire tracks on the road and sidewalk.
If your smartphone is non-operational, ask another passenger or another driver to do so and have them email them to you while you’re still present.
Also, take down the contact details, driving license number and license plate, the brand, model, and type of vehicle for as many other drivers involved as possible; they will need to be reached later. Witnesses are useful too.
Hire a Lawyer
If you think your injuries will be costly to treat, it’s worth considering hiring a personal injury legal team like Horst Shewmaker. A lawyer can advise you about the next steps and be a calm voice at a time when you’re too shaken up to think clearly.
Lastly, while you’ll need to contact the car insurance and notify them that you’re making a claim, it could be something that is done through a lawyer. Eventually, they’ll need to be advised, but it shouldn’t be the first thing you do. Other steps are more important.
