Accidents can easily be prevented by simply being extra cautious. However, when they do happen, things can get so hectic and pass so quickly that you probably won’t be able to think clearly. As a result of a stressful situation, a million thoughts can go through your mind and cause you to act irrationally. However, it’s important to try and stay calm.
If you are involved in a car accident, there are certain things you can do to protect yourself and your interests. The following is a list of the things you should do if you are in an car accident:
Make Sure you are Okay: Health and safety always come first. It is important to determine if you’re able to move without causing further injury to yourself. If not, remain where you are until emergency units arrive to help you.
Call 911: Whether or not there are serious injuries, it is a good idea to call the police. You may need a police report to file a claim with your insurance company, even if the claim is just for vehicle damage. The vehicles involved in the accident should remain where they are, unless they interfere with traffic.
Get the Other Driver’s Information: Make sure you write down the names and contact information of the other party (including passengers) who were involved in the accident.
Do Not Admit Guilt or Apologize: To protect yourself, it’s important that you should never admit or accept fault during an accident or afterward. You should remain silent even if you think you caused the accident, because there may be other factors beyond your control that contributed to it.
Take Photos and Write Notes for Your Insurance Claim: Document as many details as you can with your phone or a notepad. Take plenty of photos and video at the scene to support your documentation and if you have visible injuries, take pictures of them as well.
Seek Medical Attention: Often, injuries caused by car accidents are not immediately apparent. It is still vital that you undergo a complete medical checkup even if you do not feel any pain.
Keep A File: Keep all your accident-related documents and information together, and if you have been injured, keep all medical reports to serve as evidence in future lawsuits.
Protect Your Rights: Perhaps the most important thing you should do after an accident is to consult an experienced accident lawyer. Your Lawyer can protect your rights and avoid destroying valuable evidence and will provide you with clear information about your rights and build a strong case for your recovery.
If you or a loved one have been involved in an accident, report your claim online or call us to schedule a FREE consultation with a Garland Car Accident Attorney at 214-321-4105.
