What To Do Immediately Following a Car Accident

What happens if you are driving down a dark road in the evening time and, all of a sudden, somebody rear-ends you because they are not paying attention? It is important to know what should be done immediately following a car collision. However, before you find out more about that, it is important to know some quick things about what should be done before an accident takes place.

Being prepared before a car accident takes place can prevent loads of stress for both drivers and passengers. You should always keep a copy of your car insurance information on you, along with a pen and paper that should constantly be kept in your car. You should always carry a mobile phone with you when you have one if you are going to be driving somewhere. Remembering these things can make an accident slightly easier in the first steps.

Steps to Take After Accident

• Get Off the Road: You should always get to safety as soon as possible before you worry about all else. This is the case if it is a minor accident and you can get out of the way without any issues.
• Stay at Scene: You can face serious penalties for leaving the scene after an accident, especially if there was a huge amount of damages and if somebody was severely injured or even killed at the scene. You can only leave after everything is figured out and it is appropriate to leave.
• Check on Drivers and Passengers: Drivers and passenger’s lives are more important than property damage after an accident has taken place. Make sure that everyone is okay and make sure you receive medical attention if needed, as well as everyone else at the scene. If a person is unconscious or has unexplained pains, do not move them until medical help arrives.
• Call the Police: You must always call the police if there is property damage, physical injury, or death. You should always ask the police if they could make and file a report. Also try to obtain he name and badge numbers of the responding officers.
• Exchange Information: Get all names, numbers, drivers’ license numbers, addresses, and basic insurance information of all drivers involved. Do not apologize for anything that happened in the accident due to the fact that it is unclear who was at fault and it must be established.
• Talk to Witnesses: Ask all witnesses what they saw and retrieve their names, numbers, or addresses.
• Inform Insurance Company: You should always let your insurance company know that you have been in an accident. Tell them exactly what happened and the extent of your injuries. If you have lied about anything, you will get into trouble and possibly be denied coverage because of the accident.
• Keep Track of Medical Treatment: If you see any doctors, physical therapists, or other medical professionals, you will want to take note of it by keeping a detailed account. You should always request copies of all medical reports you receive as well.
• Take Pictures: After the accident occurs, you should take photographs of all damage. Photos will help the insurance adjuster determine how much you should be compensated for damages. You should have a before picture of your car for a “compare and contrast.”
• Get Property Damage Evaluation: Have your vehicle valued. You should let the adjuster know what you came up with and try to agree on the cost.
• Be Careful Discussing Incident: Never talk to anybody about the accident other than your attorney, insurance company, or police. You should never talk to another insurance company without first letting your attorney know. You should ask your attorney to schedule an interview if you need to speak to them.
• Watch Out for Early Settlement Offer: If you are offered a settlement from an insurance company, you should be careful because some injuries will not show up until a later date. You should never settle a claim unless you know you are going to be compensated for all injuries.
• Hire an Attorney: If you were injured in the accident, it is best to speak to an attorney experienced in personal injury. You can contact MDL today to speak to an attorney that understands the ways of the law and can help you with a case. Call now!