Seven Things You Should Do If You Have A Car Accident

There are countless car accidents that happen every year, thankfully most only cause property damage to the vehicles rather than the drivers and occupants. However, there are some accidents that include personal injury and even worst fatalities.

If you are ever involved in a motor accident, there are some things that you need to do in order to protect yourself and your interests. Have a look below at what you should do if you are ever in an accident: 

 

Stop And Protect

If you are ever in a motor accident,  the first thing that you should do is to stop  You shouldn’t ever leave an accident scene, even if it’s only minor. You should make sure you put your flashers, try to divert traffic around and debris and make sure you have a flashlight with you so you can keep yourself safe at the side of the road. 

 

Phone The Police

Even if no one is injured, you still need to call the police. You need them to report it and file it so you are able to produce it to your car insurance company. You should try to leave the vehicles where they are until the police arrive unless they are in the way of traffic. Once they arrive, make sure the investigating office notes down everything from your side and the other parties’ side. Explain what happens to the best of your ability. Try not to speculate or make things up, if you can’t remember exactly what happened then be honest. If there were any passengers, get them to make a statement too. 

 

Take Photos

If you have a camera with you or your phone, it’s a good idea to take some pictures of the scene. If there is visible damage take photos of both vehicles. Do not interfere with any ongoing police investigations though. If you can’t take pictures of the damage at the scene take them as soon as possible after. 

 

Exchange Info

Normally the investigating police officer will obtain this information. However, it’s important that you don’t leave without this information, including things like a contact number, full name, and insurance details. Make sure you get the correct type of insurance as well since the legalities of a car accident will play out much differently than that of 18 wheeler accident injuries.

 

Notify Your Insurance Company

You need to let your insurance company as soon as possible. Many insurance policies require you to report it straight away and need your full cooperation. Make sure you ask about what you are exactly covered for and if it included and medical cover. If they require anything in particular from you, they will be able to let you know from your first phone call. 

 

Medical Attention

Injuries from motor accidents aren’t always apparent straight away. Most people report feeling aches and pains days and even weeks after an accident and don’t even realize that it is because of the accident they were involved in. Unless you are completely sure you weren’t injured, it’s best to seek medical attention as soon as you can, even if you do walk away completely fine. Injuries from a car accident can be fatal and cause ongoing problems, so, it’s better to be safe and get yourself looked at, especially if you lost consciousness or it was a high-impact collision. 

 

Protect Your Rights

Perhaps one of the most important things to do after a car accident is to contact your car accident lawyer. One that is an expert in the field of personal injury is also key, such as Dennis Hernandez. These experts will help you find the right medical support and also help to protect your rights and ensure that any information that is needed isn’t destroyed. You should, in fact, speak with your attorney before you speak to your car insurance company, getting legal advice is extremely important. 

 

If you ever have a car accident, these steps should help you to know exactly what to do. Do you have any other advice that you could share in the comments below? 

 

Jessica Alexander

Jessica Alexander

I've always loved to write, but I'd never want to be famous. So, I write as Jessica A. over here at ADDICTED. You can think of my like Carmen Sandiego, you trust me, but where in the world am I?
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