Car accidents happen, and what a person does after the crash is significant. The following tips will help anyone injured in a crash recover from the incident and get back on their feet.
Medical Help
A doctor should see every person in a car accident. Many people feel this step isn’t necessary because they have no major issues. However, adrenaline rushes through a person’s body in a stressful situation, so the individual may not realize they were injured in a crash. It could be days before injuries become apparent. The doctor will evaluate the person and write a formal medical report regarding their status. This report helps establish the causal relationship between the accident and any injuries.
Law Enforcement
Individuals involved in a crash should always contact law enforcement. Share minimal information about the accident with police officers and others involved, but ensure law enforcement knows the accident occurred. The office will write a formal report about the accident, which is needed if legal action must be taken. They only need facts about the accident, so a person should never admit fault. Before leaving the accident scene, document the officer’s badge number and contact information so the report can be obtained once it is complete.
Contact Information
Gather contact information for all parties involved in the accident and anyone who witnessed the incident. Drivers involved should share their names, phone numbers, and insurance information. Take down the vehicle make, model, and license plate of each vehicle involved in the accident. If a driver or witness refuses to provide this information, ask the police officer to get the information and share it.
Pictures
Record the accident scene with pictures or video. Try taking photos from several angles and distances to confirm the entire scene is captured. If the phone was damaged in the accident, attempt to draw a picture of the scene and note any details, such as missing signs or road conditions. Ask the officer to take photos and videos of the scene and share them so everything is documented correctly.
The phone may also be used to record eyewitness contact information and statements. However, some witnesses may not feel comfortable having their statements recorded, so don’t press the issue. Work with an attorney to collect their statement rather than pushing them to provide this statement at the accident scene.
Remove Vehicles From the Roadway
Avoid moving vehicles from the roadway until the scene has been thoroughly documented. Many people move their cars before recording the scene, making it more challenging to determine what happened and who was at fault. If the vehicle is inoperable, leave it in the roadway and contact a tow truck company for assistance. Turn the hazard lights on and put flares out so other drivers know to avoid the area. Exit the roadway and find a safe location to wait for the tow truck driver to arrive.
Auto Insurers
Every driver should contact their insurance company following an accident. When doing so, a driver should never admit fault. The insurer assigns an adjuster to the case. This professional examines the vehicles and determines how the insurance company will handle the claim. Many victims have their attorneys speak to the adjuster and anyone else handling the accident. The attorney monitors these professionals to confirm they adhere to good faith practices.
Attorney Involvement
While an accident victim isn’t required to hire an attorney, many choose to do so. They want someone advocating on their behalf to ensure they receive fair treatment. The attorney will collect evidence, show proof of the responsible party’s fault, and handle negotiations. If the case proceeds to court, the attorney represents the victim.
An accident can leave a person traumatized. They may forget what they need to do following the accident. If they remember the tips outlined above, they will have what is needed to ensure they are treated fairly.
