Being involved in an accident is no joke. It can be a life or death situation, and you will most likely need expensive medical attention. But should you find yourself in a middle of an accident, here are the things you should do:
Get to Safety
If you’re in a car that’s still running and the engine isn’t turning over, look for any sign of a fire. Don’t try to open the hood to see if there’s a gas leak or to get a better look at the engine, just look for outwardly visible signs and then get to safety immediately. If there’s a fire, exit the vehicle and move to a safe location. You don’t want to do anything that might make the situation worse or that could harm you. Be alert, and keep your head and neck in a position that lets you see in all directions. Don’t put yourself or anyone else at risk.
Call for Help
If anyone is injured, call 911 for emergency services immediately. You need to give the location of the accident and provide as much information as possible. It’s highly recommended that no injured people be moved, except when they are still in harm’s way (like fire or something similar. If the collision causes public property damage, personal injury, a potentially dangerous situation, or the person involved in the accident flees the scene without exchanging detailed information, call the police. Make sure you do not move the vehicle until the police arrive.
Record the Incident
It is also a good idea to keep documentation of the incident on hand. Take photos or note the details of the accident. Make sure to take photos of the area around your car. That way, you will have proof of what caused the damage, what expenses you incurred, and if any additional help is needed to repair or replace your vehicle. For instance, if you are involved in a car accident in a carpool lane, you may want to record the car and driver’s license number of the other vehicle involved. This way, if the insurance company is unable to locate this information in their system, you can provide it to them.
Stay Calm
The most important thing you can do after a car accident is to remain calm. Yes, you’ve probably done something to cause the accident, but the fact is that there are things you can’t control. So, don’t think you’re the only one to blame, and don’t be angry at anyone else for what happened. In the event of a crash, stay calm and always follow safety procedures, and then coordinate with the proper authorities.
Inform Your Insurance Company
You need to tell your insurance company about the accident or injury that has happened. Make sure to explain everything in detail, so they can make sure whether it’s covered or not. Insurance companies can be extremely tricky when it comes to dealing with you. If you have been in an accident or if you were involved in a lawsuit, you need to make sure that you have insurance that will help you in any situation. You need to know about your insurance coverage and your policy. You should take time to read your policy and make sure that you understand what you are getting. Your insurance coverage is not enough.
You also need to be aware of what is covered and what is not covered. When driving, have your insurance policy number readily accessible in your car. Or you can have your policy number memorized so that if there is an accident you can contact your insurance company and be able to find your policy. If you are required to purchase an auto insurance policy, it is important to purchase the most comprehensive policy available.
Hire a Lawyer
Should you be brought into a legal issue because of the accident, it’s important that you only talk to your lawyer about it. It’s the same if you get hurt due to the negligence of another person. An auto accident attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve. You can also hire an attorney to help you with other forms of personal injury claims, as long as it’s within the rules and regulations.
It’s best to keep your lawyer informed of any upcoming court dates, especially if you are going to file for insurance claims. This will help them keep track of your case and you can contact them about any updates on the case.
Nobody wants to be involved in an accident. But if you’re inevitably pulled into one, you need to know what to do. Hopefully, these tips help you out.
