Car accidents can be terrifying and overwhelming experiences. Incidents can happen at any time, and often leave the driver feeling disoriented and unsure of what to do next.
It is important to be prepared ahead of time with a plan of action in case you are ever involved in a car accident. According to insurance experts at The Barnes Firm, there are several things that need to be done immediately after a car accident. Some of these ideas have been provided to Digital Journal for review and from this the guidance can be distilled into nine areas:
Remain calm and assess the scene
The first thing to do after a car accident is to remain calm. It is very easy to get flustered and anxious following an involvement in a serious car accident. Yet letting your emotions dictate your actions means you could end up making some costly mistakes. Instead, stay calm by finding out what occurred so you can make sure no one else was involved in the crash.
If possible, get out of the car and take some time to observe the surrounding area and any cars involved. Look for any signs of damage to surrounding property and try to get a sense of how badly your car is damaged. If there’s anyone else in the car, get them out as well. Once you have gotten a better idea of what happened, you will be better equipped to take action.
Check for Injuries
Injuries are one of the top concerns associated with car accidents, and one of the first and most important things to do after a car accident is to check yourself and any passengers for injuries.
If anyone is seriously hurt, the emergency services should be contacted.
Even if there are no obvious signs of injury, it is a good idea to seek medical attention to make sure that you’re not experiencing any hidden injuries, such as a concussion or internal bleeding.
Exchange Information with the Other Driver
If the other driver is present, exchange information with them. This should include the driver’s name, contact information, insurance information, and license plate number. If there are any witnesses to the accident, get their contact information as well.
Ensure that you obtain the other driver’s version of the events leading up to the accident. This information will be crucial for your insurance company when determining who is responsible for the damages.
Call the Police
If the accident is serious, it is important to call the police and wait for them to arrive on the scene. The police will create a report that documents the accident and can be used as evidence in the future. They will also help direct traffic, control the scene, and, if trained, provide first aid.
If the accident is minor and there are no injuries or significant damage, you may not need to call the police. However, it’s still a good idea to exchange information with the other driver and get their contact information, insurance information, and licence plate number.
Gather Evidence
After a car accident, it is important to gather as much evidence as possible. This can include taking photos of the damage to both vehicles, writing down the names and contact information of any witnesses, and recording the details of the accident, such as the time, location, and weather conditions.
If there is a dash cam, this can be especially helpful in providing an objective view of the accident. It’s also a good idea to write down your own recollection of the events leading up to the accident as soon as possible, while the details are still fresh in your mind.
Contact Your Insurance Company
The driver should report the accident to their insurance company as soon as possible. The driver will need to know the details of the accident and the extent of the damage to both vehicles. The insurance company may also ask for a copy of the police report and any other documentation related to the accident.
Contact a Lawyer
According to The Barnes Firm, a group of renowned New York lawyers, if the accident was serious and the driver is facing significant damages or injuries, it is a good idea to contact a personal injury lawyer.
Such a service can help the driver to understand their rights, negotiate with the insurance company, and represent them in court if necessary. A good personal injury lawyer will be able to advise the driver on the best course of action and help them to obtain compensation.
Keep Records of Expenses
After a car accident, the driver or passengers may incur expenses for medical treatment, car repairs, rental cars, and other expenses related to the accident. It is important to keep records of all these expenses and any receipts or bills related to the accident. This documentation will be important if you’re seeking compensation from the other driver or their insurance company.
Take Care of Yourself
It is important to take care of yourself after a car accident. This can include getting plenty of rest, eating a healthy diet, and seeking medical attention if necessary. It can be a good idea to talk to a therapist or counsellor
In terms of the optimal advice, the driver should remain calm, seek medical attention if necessary, and contact their insurance company and a lawyer if they need help.
