What to Do After a Car Accident?
Car accidents are unexpected. When they happen, the events can turn out really fast. So fast that even if foreseen, it can be inevitable and difficult to stop. But for the people involved, it is as if time freezes and the world stops. Then everything becomes a blur.
Save for minor car collisions, catastrophic traffic accidents can cause confusion in the minds of the people involved. It is uncommon for these folks to have an exaggerated startled response. There may be crying spells and racing heartbeats. Panic will ensue.
For the people in these unfortunate occurrences, there may be little time to mentally process what just happened. It can be a chaotic and overwhelming moment. In any stressful traffic situation such as a car accident, it is important to stay calm. This gives the mind enough thinking space to process the situation and allow the person to assess what needs to be done.
In this article, we highlighted the important steps that every person involved in a car accident needs to do. Whether it’s a devastating car collision or a minor, low-speed bump, we want to emphasize to focusing on the moment and what needs to be done to best recover from the injuries and address the overall situation.
As a victim of a car accident, the individual’s initial priority is his or her safety. Life and limb should take precedence over anything else. Next would be property; i.e., how much damage did the car incur? Last but not the least comes the possibility of pursuing legal action.
Here are important things to consider following a car accident.
Ensure the safety of everything in the car.
If you’re in the car that’s involved in the accident, your health and well-being should be of primary concern. If you have people with you in the car, look after them too.
However, in cases of serious injuries, especially when the injured person is also unconscious, do not move them unless it is absolutely necessary. Wait for the medical personnel to arrive and handle them. In any other case, call 911.
Contact the police especially in cases where there are injuries or death or serious property damage; in the latter case, you’ll need a police report.
Stay at the scene.
Never leave the scene of the accident. If you do, you may be charged with a serious criminal offense. That’s a hit-and-run if you do that. However, if possible, move the vehicles out of the traffic so as not to cause obstruction on the roadway.
3. Exchange contact, insurance, and other vital information with the other drivers.
Speak with the drivers involved in the accident. If possible, obtain their contact information. Also it is important to verify their name with their driver’s license. Get their license plate number and insurance information too.
4. Take photos of the damage.
The images you’ll take will form a crucial part of your evidence. These pictures will be useful when comparing photos before the accident and thereafter. The photos will also be used in support of your claim with your insurance provider or should you pursue legal action in court.
5. Call the insurance company.
Inform the insurance provider of the fact of the accident. Supply the details as to the incident and furnish them the police report and other requirements in support of your claim for damages.
6. If you have injuries, write it down.
If you have sustained injuries, seek medical attention. But don’t forget to keep track of your injuries.
Got involved in a vehicular collision? Get in touch with our highly experienced Las Vegas car accident attorney. Look to Dan Lovell of Empire Law Group.
