The last thing you will want to deal with is being involved in a car accident. However, if you drive a great deal, then this is entirely possible. Studies show that drivers using cell phones are responsible for 1.6 million crashes annually. However, knowing what to do immediately after a wreck has occurred is sure to be one of the hardest things to do. The first thing you will want to do is to remain calm and avoid panicking at all costs. This is sure to allow you to get through this situation much easier. Being aware of specific tips that can help you during this time is sure to be ideal.
Tip #1: Phone the police
Regardless of the severity of your accident, you will want to take the time immediately to call a police officer to the scene. This will enable the right type of paperwork to be filed that you may need to show your car accident lawyer. It’s imperative to seek advice from a legal expert when dealing with this situation.
It’s crucial to determine which driver was at fault for the wreck because this could be extremely helpful when it comes to either dealing with the legal action or going to court. Unless you have an official report in hand that dictates the individual responsible for the wreck, you won’t have the necessary proof that any attorney will need to defend you.
Tip #2: Check for injuries
You will want to be certain that both you and the other driver are okay immediately. If necessary, you may need to call an ambulance to be checked out or take you to the hospital.
The first thing you will want to do is to ensure that there aren’t any severe injuries that could turn into a fatality at a later point. Working to determine the extent of the accident and getting the medical attention you need due to the use of electronics causing your accident is crucial.
Tip #3: Get evidence
If you’re able to do so, you will want to take the time to get photographs of the wreck. This could be used as evidence in the event your case goes to court.
Be sure to get several pictures of the damage done to your car and other person’s vehicle, so you’ll have these on hand when contacting your attorney.
If possible, you will want to have photographs taken of any injuries you may have sustained due to the accident. This is something another person can do that may be present when the collision occurred.
Additionally, this would be a good time to see if there are any witnesses around that you may use if necessary. Be sure to get the name and number of these individuals to assist you if you need to appear in court.
Tip #4: Phone your insurance provider
It’s important to let your insurer know that you’ve been in an accident. This is one of the first things you will want to do because it may affect getting reimbursed for any losses you may have.
Be prepared to provide your full name and contact information when you do call your insurance agent. This can allow you to be contacted quickly and work to resolve the case if at all possible.
However, it’s not uncommon for the other driver to fight the case and if this occurs, you may need to take legal action. Regardless if this is something you need to do or not, you will want to make your insurer well aware of what happened during the collision.
Car accidents occur and tend to be more frequent than ever these days due to the extensive use of texting and using talking on the cell phone more than ever. The good news is that you can overcome this trying time by knowing precisely what to do if it happens to you. Be sure to get the legal guidance that can help make this situation one that is much less stressful for you in the process.
