A car accident can happen at any time. In some cases, it doesn’t even matter how careful you are on the road. When it does happen, what you do next is very important. These steps can affect your safety, your finances, and any legal process that comes after.
It’s a good idea to talk to car accident lawyers from Richards Penn Bonner immediately after a crash. They can help you protect your rights from the start. Apart from speaking to a lawyer, these are the things you need to do after being involved in a car accident.
Make Sure You’re Safe
Your safety should be your number one priority. Therefore, check to see if you or your passengers are injured. If someone is injured, you should call an ambulance right away.
Move your car out of traffic if you can and it is drivable. Ensure you do so carefully, and don’t forget to turn on your signal lights. Don’t freak out, and if it’s safe, help other people.
Call the Police
You should call the police even if the accident is minor. A report can help you file an insurance claim later on. Don’t try to add to what happened; just tell the officer exactly what happened.
Do not blame yourself for the crash; just stick to the facts. Let the police officer do their job and write down the information that needs to be written.
Exchange Information
Find out the other driver’s name, number, and insurance information. Write down their license plate number and driver’s license number as well.
If someone else owns the car, get their information too. If there are any witnesses, ask nicely for their contact details.
Do not give out private information like your home address to people you don’t know. Just get the things you need for the insurance and report.
Take Photos and Notes
To prove what really happened, photos and notes are very important. Use your phone to take photos of the damage. Take pictures of the license plates, street signs, and the scene as a whole.
Also, write down what happened. They could be useful if the other party tries to change the story in the future. Doing all of these can prevent false claims.
Visit a Doctor
You should see a doctor even if you feel fine. Certain injuries might not appear visible to the naked eye. However, a doctor can see signs of a concussion or internal injuries.
Keep records of all of your appointments and treatments. If you later make a claim, these can help prove that you were injured. Getting medical help early can also help you get better faster; therefore, do not skip this step.
Contact Your Insurance Company
As soon as you can, tell your insurance company about the accident. Explain what took place, but don’t assume anything.
Give only facts. If you’re unsure about something, say so. Keep notes on what you told them.
They might ask to see a copy of the police report. To keep your claim moving, send the report and anything you might request immediately.
