A car accident can happen to anyone. Even if you’re the safest driver in the world, that sentiment wouldn’t account for the safety of other drivers.
Getting into a car is a risk, and while you’re unlikely to be seriously injured, the statistical likelihood of being involved in a collision isn’t negligible.
Being involved in an accident is a frightening experience, and in the heat of the moment, it can be hard to think straight; this is why it’s important to know what to do beforehand. In this article, you’ll learn a simple, four-step process for dealing with the situation safely and effectively.
1. Safety First
Your first priority should always be your own safety and that of those who are in the car with you. After an accident, immediately check if anyone’s hurt and call 911 for an ambulance. Turn on your hazard lights, and if you can, move to the side of the road to a place you can get out safely.
From there, you should stay with your vehicle and wait for the emergency services.
2. Documenting the Scene
Once everyone’s been checked over from a medical perspective, it’s essential to then turn to practical matters. Call 911 again and report the incident to the police, and then take several pictures of the scene of the incident, including the damage and the position of both (or more) vehicles. Taking pictures of any injuries sustained is also important.
Make sure to exchange details with the other drivers and note down their registration plates at this point, too.
3. Contacting Your Insurance Company
Now that the matters surrounding the initial accident have been resolved, it’s time to contact your insurance provider. It’s important you do this as soon as possible, as any delays will go against you.
If a car accident wasn’t your fault, be careful with your wording. Don’t admit blame for something you didn’t do, as this will affect any claim you make. Your insurers will also ask you for the photos you’ve taken, and if you’re not at fault, these will go in your favor.
4. Contacting a Lawyer
It may also be necessary to contact a lawyer who specializes in car accidents, such as McCoy & Hiestand, PLC, for example. If the injuries you sustained were significant, and if you’ve had to shell out a lot of money to put things right, you’ll need a legal professional to help build a case.
They’ll be able to collect all the relevant information, such as your medical records and the pictures you took, and build the case into something coherent that offers you the best chance of a favorable outcome. Not everyone needs a lawyer, but in many cases, they’re an essential asset.
You should now have a better idea of how to go about dealing with a car accident in the unfortunate event that you’re involved in one. Going in with practical steps for what to do during and after will help you mitigate the worst elements. Always be prepared!