A car accident can be a horrific experience. They can result in expensive damages, severe injuries, and long-lasting emotional trauma. Generally, car insurance and medical insurance providers take good care of their clients.
However, to ensure you get the compensation you need after a car accident, there are certain actions you need to take. If you’re wondering what to do after a crash, we can help. Keep reading for the most important steps after a car accident.
Ensure Your Safety
First, you need to make sure you and all of the other people involved in the accident are out of harm’s way. If you’re in the middle of a busy intersection or on a high-speed road, it might not be safe to stay in your car.
If you can, get all the vehicles off the road. If the vehicles are immobilized, make sure the passengers and drivers are safe.
Call 911
Next, call 911 to report the accident. You need police to come out and assess the damage and file an official police report. This police report may prove vital for defining fault if you seek a lawsuit in the future.
More importantly, if anyone is injured, emergency medical responders need to be notified immediately. This is one of the most vital steps after a car accident.
Exchange Information with the Other Driver
Assuming you’re able, exchange the necessary information with the other driver. Remain calm when speaking to the other motorist, regardless of what happened. If they’re erratic, consider waiting for the police to arrive before approaching them.
Make sure you get:
- Their name, address, and phone number
- The vehicle’s license plate number
- A description of the vehicle (make, model, color)
- The driver’s insurance provider and policy number
If the motorist flees the scene, there’s not much you can do. Try to get a picture of the vehicle with your phone or memorize the license plate number and details of the car.
Gather Evidence
If there’s any chance you might file a lawsuit, gather as much evidence as you can from the scene. This is one of the most important steps after a car accident. This includes:
- Pictures of both vehicles
- Pictures of the surrounding area and any damages or signs of the accident (destroyed property, tire marks, etc.)
- Witness statements (including their contact info)
- Notes on your recollection of the car crash.
- Police report copies
If you need to hire a car accident lawyer to help you get a higher settlement from the car insurance provider, this evidence will be necessary for proving fault.
Schedule an Appointment with Your Doctor
There are several common delayed injuries you might experience after your car crash. You may not feel anything at the time due to adrenaline. You may not even notice anything for days or weeks.
However, delayed injuries are quite common, and have the ability to affect people for years. For this reason, one of the most important steps after a car accident is scheduling an appointment with your doctor. Additionally, their official diagnosis will aid you in the event that you pursue a lawsuit.
Meet with a Car Accident Lawyer
After a car accident, it’s essential to reach out to a legal professional for help. At this point, you’re probably wondering about reporting the accident with your car insurance provider. We haven’t forgotten, however, you should talk to a lawyer first.
Sweet Lawyers explain that talking to your insurance company first could have negative consequences, such as:
- Accidentally saying something to undermine or mitigate your claim
- Being coerced to take a low settlement
- Not knowing the full of your injuries
- And more
Talk to a car accident lawyer as soon as possible. Then, contact your insurance provider.
Need More Help on the Steps After a Car Accident?
If you’ve been involved in a car crash, follow the advice above to ensure you have the most favorable outcome possible. These steps after a car accident are vital for getting adequate compensation from your insurance or the other driver’s insurance. If you’re unsure about anything, talk to a lawyer as soon as possible.
And if you’re looking for more tips and advice, stick around for a while. Our blog covers everything from hiring car accident lawyers to saving money traveling abroad.
