It’s hard to think clearly, moments after a car accident. Chaos and confusion usually leave passengers baffled and unsure of what to do first after a car accident.
However, your actions after an accident can play a crucial role in successfully getting the just compensation you deserve.
This article discusses what you should do after a car accident and the steps you need to take to protect your rights and be aided for the injuries that you’ve incurred in the accident.
1. Call For Help
After a car accident, you can still be in harm’s way. Not everyone is willing to stop or slow down when approaching a crash. So, you have to move fast.
If it’s a minor accident, drive to the side of the road and call 911 immediately. It’s best to stay inside your vehicle, assess the damage, and wait for the authorities to arrive.
In case your car is wrecked or in a threatening shape, such as a leaking gas that may cause an explosion, then get out and move away as far as you can.
2. Attend To Your Injury
Your immediate safety is of utmost importance. So, after calling for help, you need to determine if you or your passengers are injured.
Once the paramedic arrives, make sure to inform them of any injuries that need immediate medical attention. It’s also advisable that you go to a hospital or the emergency room after a car crash, even if you don’t have noticeable injuries.
Keep in mind that some injuries such as whiplash don’t show up right away. Even if you have minor injuries, it can become a lifelong condition without proper treatment.
Medical records can also help in proving that your injuries were the result of a car accident and the other driver’s negligence, allowing you to demand fair compensation.
3. Consult A Lawyer
Once you’ve attended to your injury, the next step would be to call an expert. Even if you think that the car accident was minor, you never know what repercussions would pop up. So, it’s best to know that you’re protected.
Plus, having an experienced lawyer during the process can help you immensely during the entire process, so you can focus more on your recovery.
If you don’t have the funds needed to hire a lawyer, you can search online for law firms near your area that offer a “no win no fee solicitor” arrangement or you can visit https://www.personalinjurysolicitorsdublin.info to learn more.
4. Assess The Scene
Evidence can help you get fair compensation. And to ensure that you get enough evidence, here are some steps you should follow:
- Take pictures of the vehicles and debris in the area where the accident happened.
- Exchange contact and auto insurance information with the other driver on the scene. This will be important later if there are any claims related to the accident.
- If you see any witnesses, make sure to speak with them and ask for their contact info. Witness testimony is a valuable piece of evidence.
When assessing the damage and talking to witnesses and other drivers, make sure that you never admit that you were wrong or even apologize for what happened. Although it may seem impolite, admitting wrongdoing can hurt your chances if it ends up in court. You can simply express concern and help without admitting fault.
5. Talk To The Police
When the authorities arrive, they’ll be asking for a statement from you for their report. So, make sure to provide them with all the facts as you recall them. Once again, don’t say anything that may indicate responsibility on your behalf.
Most of the time, accident victims are disoriented and in shock after a crash. For that reason, they often get the critical details wrong. If you’re unsure or can’t clearly recall what really happened, refrain from talking and providing too many details.
Also, politely ask the names and badge numbers of the police officers on-scene. In addition, you can request a copy of the police report that can be valuable in determining the liability of the car accident.
6. Call Your Insurance Company
When you’re in an auto accident, you need to call your insurance company even if it seems minor. It’s always best to be the first one to call your insurance company and report the accident, instead of letting the other driver or their insurance company report a claim.
Let your car insurance company know the details of the car accident so that they can start filing a claim for you. They may also request an insurance adjuster to the scene to start assessing it.
Furthermore, you must call your insurance provider right away, otherwise, you could put your right to get compensated at risk.
Take Away
And there you have it!
Car accidents are terrifying. And no one would hope that you get involved in a car accident, but if you do, then the above steps can help you move forward and prevent you from making mistakes that can limit your right to get just compensation.