Nobody likes to think about being involved in a car accident, but they happen more often than we’d like. When a car accident occurs, it can be an overwhelming experience. If you ever find yourself in this unfortunate situation, it is essential to know the steps to take immediately after a car accident to ensure your safety and protect your legal rights. Knowing what steps to take after a car accident helps make a difficult situation more manageable.
Here are some tips on what to do when faced with such an event:
#1. Remain Calm
The aftermath of a car accident can feel chaotic, and you may feel overwhelmed and even panicked. However, making an effort to remain calm can help you to stay in control of your emotions so you can rationalize and assess the situation more effectively. It can help prevent an escalation of conflict with other people involved in the accident, which could lead to further complications or harm.
Here are some tips on how to remain calm after a car accident:
- Take deep breaths
- Close your eyes and count backwards from 10 if necessary
- Think through what happened before making any rash decisions
- Assess if there are any practical steps you can take before authorities or medical personnel arrive
- Don't flee the scene
- Speak calmly but firmly when talking with others involved in the incident
- Try not to panic as this may cause fear or aggression among all parties involved
- Avoid blaming anyone at the scene
- Don't admit fault
It’s easy for emotions like anger, fear, or frustration to take over during a stressful situation like a car accident. By working to maintain emotional control you can avoid further issues arising from an overly emotional or rash response.
#2. Seek Medical Attention
It is important to check yourself and any passengers in your car for injuries immediately after the accident. If necessary, call 911 and ask for medical assistance. Explain the situation in precise detail and make sure the address is correct as this can speed up response time. Once you have called emergency services, don’t move anyone who has been injured unless they are in danger of further harm from remaining where they are.
Sometimes people involved in an accident may not feel symptoms until later on. Make sure you seek medical attention even if you think you’re not injured or feeling any pain at all – it’s better to be safe than sorry.
#3. Contact the Police
In any accident, regardless of the extent of damage or injury done, it is vital to call the police and file a report. This will help document what happened and can be used as evidence if disputes arise in the future. The police report will also be necessary for insurance claims.
When the police arrive, provide them with as factual information to help them create an accurate and impartial report of the incident. When talking to the police, remain calm and don't admit fault. You should stick to summarizing what happened without accusing or apologizing for the accident. This will help ensure that the report is as accurate and impartial as possible.
The police can also help make sure that medical personnel are notified and on their way, as well as provide necessary assistance in securing the area. Even if there are no injuries or major property damage, it’s still a good idea to alert authorities so they can come out and assess the situation. Make sure you get a copy of the police report and any other relevant documents from the scene before leaving.
#4. Take Pictures or Videos
If possible, take pictures or videos of the accident scene, cars involved, damages, road signs, injuries, and anything else that could help document what happened at the time of the accident. If there are skid marks on the road, take photos of those as well. Photos can provide valuable evidence for insurance companies and courts to review when determining who is at fault for an accident tell police officers may be used in a court of law.
In addition, it is important to document any visible injuries with photos or video evidence. This can help show the extent of the injury and make sure you get the proper medical treatment and compensation for your damages.
#5. Exchange Information with the Other Drivers
Exchanging information with other drivers at the scene of a car accident is essential for ensuring that all parties involved are able to receive proper medical attention and compensation. It allows each driver access to the necessary contact details in order to file insurance claims or seek legal action if needed.
Exchanging information ensures that an accurate record can be made of who was present at the time of the accident so any disputes or discrepancies can be addressed quickly and easily. By collecting correct contact information from everyone involved, it also helps ensure that all parties will receive notification about any court proceedings related to the incident.
Be sure to collect the following information from every driver involved in the accident:
- Full name and address
- Phone number
- Email address
- Insurance company name, policy number, and contact information
- Vehicle description (make, model, year, color, and license plate number)
It is also important to get contact information from any witnesses who may have witnessed the accident. This can help provide evidence for both parties involved if needed.
If you cannot exchange information with the other driver directly, it is still important to document what you can about them such as appearance, vehicle make/model, etc. This information may help law enforcement track down the other driver if they have fled the scene.
#6. Notify Your Insurance Company
It is important to contact your insurance company immediately after an accident, even if you aren’t sure who was at fault or whether anyone was injured. The sooner you report an incident and provide all necessary information about it, the faster your company can start processing your claim and begin working on any potential compensation.
When reporting the accident to your insurance company, provide as many details as you can about what happened. Make sure to include a copy of the police report if available, photos or videos taken at the scene, contact information for any witnesses present during the accident, and any other pertinent documents.
Your insurance company can help you understand the details of your policy coverage, provide information on filing a claim, and answer any questions you may have about the process. They may also be able to work with you to ensure you receive the compensation necessary for repairing or replacing your vehicle.
#7. Carefully Document All Relevant Information
It's vital that you keep organized records of all expenses, billings, and other documents related to the accident. Doing so can help ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive proper compensation. This includes keeping track of any medical expenses, damages to your vehicle, witness statements, or other evidence related to the accident.
Make sure to include the following information in all documents related to the accident:
- Date and time of the incident
- Exact location of the incident
- Names, phone numbers, and contact information for any witnesses present
- Any pictures or videos taken at the scene
- Copy of police report if available
- Description of damages to all vehicles involved in the accident
- Receipts for any medical bills
- Estimates for car repair or replacement
- Records pertaining to lost wages due to injuries from the accident
- Correspondence with your insurance company, law enforcement, and other involved parties
#8. Seek Legal Advice from an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
Car accidents can be a traumatic and life-altering experience, causing physical and emotional pain, and financial stress. In such a situation, it is advisable to seek the guidance of an experienced personal injury attorney. A skilled attorney can help you navigate the complex legal system and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries, lost wages, and other damages.
An experienced personal injury attorney can provide crucial support in the aftermath of a car accident. They have the knowledge and skills required to investigate the case, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. They can also help you understand your legal rights and options and guide you through the process of filing a lawsuit, if necessary.
At Lawton Cates, our experienced legal team can help you in several ways after a car accident. We begin by evaluating your case and determining the best course of action based on the circumstances surrounding your accident. We will work tirelessly to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve, whether through a settlement or a trial.
Our attorneys have extensive experience dealing with insurance companies and are well-versed in negotiating fair settlements for our clients throughout Wisconsin. We understand the tactics that insurance companies use to avoid paying out claims and know how to counter them effectively. Our team will fight for your rights and ensure that you receive the compensation you need to recover from your injuries and move forward with your life.
If you have been injured in a car accident and are seeking legal advice, contact Lawton Cates online or call us at (608) 282-6200.