Unfortunately, car accidents are a common occurrence. This makes it crucial that people understand what to do when they find themselves in these situations. Often times, the aftermath of a cat accident can cause a sense of panic. However, it is important to try and stay calm during these situations. This allows you to focus on handling the problem at hand to the best of your ability.
In addition to staying calm, it can be helpful to follow the steps below after an accident:
Call the Police
Law enforcement should always be reached out to after an accident. This is even the case if the other party involved tells you otherwise. With law enforcement on the scene, they can ensure that everyone is safe by directing traffic around the wreckage. In addition to this, they can draft an official report, take statements from witnesses, and conduct chemical tests. This information can be helpful to file a claim with your insurance company.
Do Not Apologize
Often times, people believe it is the right thing to apologize to the other party after an accident happens. However, it is important to avoid doing so. This is because an apology can sometimes be interpreted as an admission of fault for your involvement in the accident. Instead, it is important to be polite and contact the necessary emergency services. This allows you to avoid talking about liability altogether.
Photo or Video of the Wreck
It can be beneficial to take pictures and videos of the scene of the accident as long as it is safe to walk about. Doing so allows you to capture evidence of any broken glass, deployed airbags, skid marks, and bloodstains that happened during the accident. Documenting the weather and road conditions can also be helpful if you wish to file a claim.
Record Important Details
It is important to gather all necessary information before leaving the scene of an accident. This includes all the important details that can help you file a claim in the future. Information can consist of the names of witnesses, their phone numbers, and the registration information of all vehicles that were involved in the accident. You should make sure to do this yourself and not assume that law enforcement will do it for you.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
The most important thing to do after being involved in an accident is to receive medical attention. This should be done regardless of if you feel any pain or discomfort in the moment. It is possible for you to sustain an injury without realizing it and experience later symptoms. Emergency responders are sometimes on the scene to conduct examinations. However, you should still see a doctor for an official diagnosis. This can document your injuries, including the time, place, and reason why they happened. This is information can also be used to file a claim.
Contact our Firm
The legal team at Weintraub & Weintraub has years of experience representing clients who have been injured in accidents due to the negligence of others as well as those who are facing charges of driving under the influence. If you need strong legal representation, contact our firm today.