When you are involved in an automobile accident, it can be a scary and confusing time. You may have been sitting in your vehicle for hours after the accident, wondering what to do next (and if you’re okay). Here are a few tips on where to turn next:
1. Check for Injuries
First and foremost, take a few moments to check for any injuries to yourself or other drivers. While it is most likely that there are no injuries, you may have suffered some minor cuts, scrapes, or bruises. Take time to review your state law on whether you need to stop the car and check everyone in the vehicle.
2. Take Preliminary Steps
After checking yourself and others in the car for injuries, take a few minutes to get your bearings. You may want to move your vehicle away from the traffic lane. Make a note of whether there are any other drivers or pedestrians who may be injured. It is important to avoid making unnecessary statements to anyone at this time, including law enforcement officers and paramedics.
3. Exchange Information
After taking a few moments to get your bearings and check for injuries, you can exchange information with other drivers or witnesses. The contact information of witnesses and other drivers is helpful if there is any question about who caused the accident.
4. File A Report
It is always best to file a report with your insurance company, the police department, and other relevant parties. If you have the accident number from your insurance company, this will help speed up the process. Most people like to contact their insurance company first and then file a report with the police department and other relevant parties immediately.
5. Contact A Lawyer
It is also important to contact a lawyer as soon as possible after an auto accident has occurred. If there are injuries, this is even more imperative. This will allow your lawyer to file the proper paperwork and gather evidence that may be used in court later. You can contact Richard Blundell Law Office to find the experienced auto accident lawyer that best meets your needs.
6. Contact Your Insurance Company
Some people like to contact their insurance company first and then file a report with the police department and other relevant parties right after. Some insurance companies will automatically notify you when an accident occurs, so it’s best to contact them as soon as possible. If you are in a crash where you feel that the other driver was at fault, let your insurance company know so they can investigate on their own.
In conclusion, it is important to take a few moments following an auto accident to check for any injuries and exchange contact information with other witnesses. Then file a report with your insurance company, law enforcement, and other relevant parties. You may even want to contact a lawyer after the accident. These are some things you can do right away following an auto accident, which will help ensure that you are in good hands if you decide to file a lawsuit.
Author Info: Hannah Whittenly is a freelance writer and mother of two from Sacramento, CA. She enjoys kayaking and reading books by the lake. You can find her on Twitter.
