By Ankita Tripathy
What to do after a car accident? In general, after a serious car accident, you might face sudden shock and confusion. As a result, it might be hard to think straight.
However, you must always respond promptly and methodically in those situations. This way, you will be able to protect your physical, emotional, and financial well-being.
At the outset, the first thing you must do in this case is to get medical attention. In fact, no matter how insignificant an injury might seem, it might turn out to be fatal later on. Hence, you must not make any compromises with your health.
Read on to get a better idea of what to do after a car accident. Also, you will learn what steps you must take to avoid legal trouble.
What To Do After A Car Accident? – Essential Steps To Follow
First, you must be proactive. Start by contacting a personal injury lawyer in Philadelphia immediately. They will instantly tell you what to do in those circumstances. In addition to that, they will assist you in addressing any legal issues that may arise following an accident.
In general, experienced legal professionals know how early decisions impact the outcome of a claim or lawsuit. This might be as simple as what you say or write. This way, you will ease the pressure.
The following are the major steps you must take after facing an accident:
1. Get Medical Attention Immediately
Essentially, you must always prioritize your health and safety. Hence, start by assessing any injuries, no matter how minor they may seem.
In general, some injuries may not show symptoms immediately. However, they might become serious if not handled instantly.
The following are some of these injuries:
- Concussion
- Internal bleeding
- Soft tissue damage, and others.
In those situations, call emergency services even if you feel “okay.” However, if you are able, look for others to assist. In this case, apply basic first aid. Also, do not move those who have a neck, back, or severe head injury. However, do so if their position is life-threatening.
Apart from that, remember to share all symptoms with emergency personnel. In fact, you must focus on all the minor details. In addition to that, accurate medical records from the scene or hospital are important for health insurance claims or legal proceedings.
2. Collect All The Possible Evidence
Evidence is pivotal in determining what happened. Also, it helps to later determine who was actually at fault. If you are physically able, take out your phone or camera to document every aspect of the scene.
Apart from that, the following are some of the other details that you must try to collect:
- Get All the Contact Details: In this case, collect names, addresses, phone numbers, and driver’s license information. Apart from that, get insurance details from all drivers involved.
- Witness Information: Start by speaking with bystanders. Also, look for anyone nearby. Moreover, get their names and contact information.
- Vehicle and Location: Take photos of the cars. Moreover, take a photo of the exact location or intersection where the accident occurred.
- Time and Conditions: Record the date and time of the accident. Also, make sure to note down relevant weather or road conditions.
3. Report The Incident To The Police
By instantly notifying the police of the incident, you will protect your interests. Also, you will comply with all the legal requirements.
The following are the steps you must follow:
- Give an honest account when officers arrive. Also, cooperate fully as they interview all the parties. This way, you will help to develop a formal police report.
- If police arrival is delayed or you require urgent medical care, communicate your absence. Also, return as soon as it’s safe to do so.
- Maintain a copy or reference number of the police report. This will help with insurance and personal records.
In addition to that, even if the damage appears minimal, official documentation is necessary. Basically, it is a wise precaution. Moreover, in many areas, the law requires it in cases of significant property damage or injury.
4. Dealing With Insurance Companies
The best way to deal with an insurance company is to let your lawyer do it. This is because insurance companies do not want to pay out. Also, in other cases, they might even limit the payout. As a result, you will not end up getting the amount you deserve.
However, when you get the help of an experienced personal injury lawyer, they will handle all the negotiations and legal processes for you. They know how to deal with insurance companies.
Thereby, they will ensure that you get the rightful compensation. Moreover, if you reach out to a personal injury lawyer, they will tell you what to do after a car accident.
Mistakes To Avoid After A Car Accident
The following are some of the most common mistakes you must avoid after facing a car accident:
- Leaving the Scene: Do not leave the place unless you require instant medical assistance. Otherwise, leaving might be a crime in some jurisdictions.
- Skipping a Medical Checkup: People mostly underestimate their injuries. However, if you refuse care, it will worsen your health. Moreover, it will weaken your legal or insurance claim.
- Overlooking Documentation: Relying on memory is risky. Hence, you must collect as much evidence as possible at the scene.
- Admitting Your Fault: Your comprehension of events might change as details come to the fore. Hence, let investigators determine fault based on evidence.
- Accepting Quick Settlements: The insurer might not fully account for medical costs, time off work, or property damage.
Mostly, these are common pitfalls. However, they are avoidable. However, after a serious accident, you must take some time to document the situation properly. Apart from that, communicate clearly with your lawyer. Also, consult the lawyer at each stage.
Protect Your Rights Now
Essentially, proper knowledge of what to do after a car accident is critical. Also, preparation is as necessary as immediate action. In fact, the NHTSA vehicle post-crash protocols provide in-depth advice to drivers.
Hence, you must familiarize yourself with these recommendations before an accident. This way, you will be able to make split-second decisions more automatically during a crisis.
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