Over 38,000 people die in car crashes on US roadways each year, and an additional 4.4 million need serious medical attention. Whether it’s your first car or you’ve been driving for years, collisions happen. Although no one likes to think about it happening to them, it’s important to know what to do in the event of a bad car accident.
There’s a lot to think about after an accident, from medical bills to contacting your insurance company, which is why it’s best to prepare for one before it happens.
Here are the steps you need to take if you’re in an accident.
Check Yourself and Your Passengers:
Make sure you and your passengers are okay after the accident. If you’re seriously injured and can’t move, call 911 and wait for emergency personnel or have a bystander help.
If you can move, check your surroundings and determine if you need to move your vehicle.
Protect the Scene and Call the Police:
Don’t drive away from the scene of an accident, especially a bad car accident. Vehicles should stay where they are unless they’re directly interfering with traffic when it may cause further accidents. In this case, move to a safe location such as a shoulder or parking lot.
Protect the scene if you can by setting up flares or at least putting your emergency flashers on. Use a flashlight if it’s dark and to protect you by the side of the road.
The next thing you should do is call the police. You should take this step even if it appears there are no serious injuries, as you may need a police report when you file a claim with your insurance company.
Take Pictures and Exchange Information:
If you have your smartphone with you, take pictures of the scene. Document all visible damage to your vehicle. Take photos of any injuries you notice as well.
Here’s the information you should collect after an accident:
- Full name and contact information
- Insurance information
- Driver’s license and license plate
- Details about the vehicle (color, type, and model)
- Location of the accident
Try not to discuss fault with the other driver. Let the police and insurance adjuster determine fault.
Report the Accident and Protect Your Rights:
Contact your insurance company as soon as you can. Your policy may require immediate reporting, so you may want to call them while at the scene. Your insurance company will start the claims process as soon as they have the necessary information.
You also need to protect your rights after a bad car accident. Even the most careful driver can get into an accident, and if the other party is at fault, you need to protect your rights and get the care you deserve.
Consult a car accident attorney from sweetlaw.com to find someone to handle your personal injury case.
Act Fast After a Bad Car Accident:
In the event of a bad car accident, it’s important to keep a level head and follow these steps. The most important step is to make sure you and your passengers are okay and then report the accident. Protect your rights by contacting a car accident attorney to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Check out some of our other posts on legal issues, lifestyle tips, and much more.
