Car accidents can be traumatic and stressful experiences for everyone. Whether it is a head-on collision with another vehicle or a serious pedestrian accident, the aftermath can be fatal and result in severe bodily injuries and vehicle or property damages.
However, even in these unpleasant situations, it is imperative that you know what steps you need to take after being involved in a car accident. From making sure that both you and the other passengers are safe and sound to calling your insurance company to file a claim, there are several things you need to do to protect your rights and prove your case.
Completing these steps is crucial regardless of whether the accident was your fault or someone else’s. Knowing why and how to report car accident details can help you navigate the process more easily while ensuring everything is documented properly.
Here are five basic steps you should take after a car accident.
Check for injuries
No matter the severity of the accident, checking for injuries is the first and most important step you need to take. This doesn’t only include checking yourself, but also all the other passengers involved in the accident to make sure they are fine or not suffering from serious injuries.
To further ensure everyone’s safety, it is advised that you call an ambulance to provide you and the other passengers with immediate medical care. The thing about car accidents is that you may suffer from serious injuries like internal bleeding or back injury which require professional medical assistance to prevent any further health complications.
Call the police to report the accident
Once you have determined that everyone is safe, your next step is to call the police to report the accident. Doing so is especially important if there is significant property damage, physical injury, or even death.
When the police arrive, make sure you explain to them in great detail how the accident happened so they can conduct a thorough investigation. Besides asking for your statement, the police may also ask the other passengers involved in the accident to give theirs, as well as talk to any witnesses who saw the crash.
Exchange info and take pictures
After talking to the police, your next step is to exchange info with the other driver. This includes getting their name, address, phone number, and insurance information so you can use it to file a claim after the accident. Avoid discussing with them or nearby witnesses about who was at fault in the accident because that can affect your case.
Also, remember to document the scene by taking pictures of the accident and writing down important information about it. Take photos from multiple angles to show exactly where the damages occurred. Doing so will help your claims representative determine who was at fault in the crash.
Start the claims process
No matter who is responsible for the crash, it is a good idea to call your insurance company to let them know that an accident occurred. If the collision resulted in severe injuries and damages, you should file a claim to protect yourself from liability.
When you file your claim, make sure you tell them the truth about what happened and the extent of the injuries and damages that occurred. By explaining all the facts clearly, you are reducing your chances of getting into serious trouble, such as possible denial of your claim. If you want your case to stick, obtain and review the police report that was filed at the scene of the crash to show who was at fault and who broke what traffic laws.
Consider hiring an attorney
Because car accidents can be traumatic and frightening, you should consider hiring an accident attorney to help you cope with this unpleasant situation with more ease. After all, these people are experts in the field who will provide you with legal assistance and guide you every step of the way to ensure your rights are protected.
One great thing about accident attorneys is that many of them work on a contingency fee basis. This means they will only receive a fee if you are awarded damages or receive a settlement.
Photo by Sora Shimazaki from Pexels
Final thoughts
No matter how careful you are as a driver, car accidents can still happen in the blink of an eye. That’s why it is important to know what to do and what steps to take after a crash in order to protect your rights and receive the compensation you deserve. For more information, refer to our post and learn how to report a car accident.