With millions of car accidents happening each year in the U.S., it’s possible that you may be involved in a crash someday. Although there are some fatal crashes, most accidents are more physically and mentally stressful rather than deadly. Knowing what to do following a car accident can protect you the same way that your car’s safety technology keeps you safe on the road.
Protect Yourself After an Accident
When you are involved in any type of accident, from slip and fall incidents to car collisions, there are simple steps that should always be taken to protect your future interests. If you suffer injuries or loss as a result of an accident, you may end up in a courtroom fighting for your deserved compensation.
To ensure that you are physically but financially protected following an accident, it’s essential to take the right action, including finding a lawyer for personal injury claims. Let’s look at a few critical ways that you can protect yourself after an accident.
Contact the Authorities
It is a crime in every state to leave the scene of a car accident. It’s crucial to stay at the scene and contact the police and emergency medical teams. Calling the police to report your accident should be your first step after ensuring that you, your passengers, and others involved in the accident are safe. Make sure to give a complete and honest statement to the police and ask for a copy of your files’ accident report. You’ll also be able to find accident reports online, helping make the process easier and stress-free.
Gather Evidence
Being involved in an accident can be highly stressful, making it difficult to think clearly. It’s important to stay as calm as possible so that you can record as many details about the accident as possible. Using your phone memo system, start recording details, including the accident’s date and time, road conditions, and any information on the accident’s circumstances. These details may become fuzzy if you wait too long to get them down on paper.
Collecting evidence is an integral part of building a personal injury case. Collect all pertinent information, including contact numbers for everyone involved in the accident, and get witness statements from anyone at the scene. Take pictures at different angles of the location and the damage or injuries.
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EMS Examination
With the high levels of adrenaline that can course through your body following an accident, you may not be aware of some subtle injuries. Even if you feel fine, you must allow EMS team members to examine you at the scene. There are many injuries from collisions that may not show symptoms for several days, so it’s imperative that you also follow up with your doctor.
Call Your Insurance
You should report your accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. It is never a good idea to contact companies that represent other drivers involved in your accident. Report what happened to your agency quickly, allowing them to start on your claim right away and help you get the help you need.
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Talk to an Attorney
Filing a personal injury claim is a complicated and stressful process, and it is not recommended to go forward with a lawsuit without the help of a lawyer. A personal injury lawyer can guide you through the process, inform you of your rights, help you build a case, and deal with insurance company issues on your behalf as an advocate.
If you are involved in a car accident or other type of accident where you have sustained loss or injury, it’s essential to take care of your interests. Always notify the authorities, get medical clearance when offered, speak with your insurance company, and talk to a professional attorney about your legal rights.