- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration projects a slight decrease in traffic fatalities this year.
- In a car accident, prioritizing safety is the first step.
- Report the accident to the police and provide accurate details to your insurance company.
- Gathering information and seeking legal advice can be essential for seeking compensation.
- Photos and records of communication should be kept for any potential future legal action.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recently revealed that, based on their estimates for the first nine months of 2022, there is a projected 0.2 percent decrease in traffic fatalities from 2021; specifically, 31,785 people are estimated to have died in traffic crashes this year thus far as compared with the 31,850 reported in 2021.
Car accidents are a part of life that everyone hopes to avoid. But unfortunately, they can happen when people least expect them. Being involved in a car accident can be scary and overwhelming, but knowing what to do afterward can make all the difference.
This blog post will discuss some of the essential things you can do to stay safe, protect your legal rights and get back on the road.
Ensure Everyone is Safe
After a car accident, the first thing to do is check if everyone involved is safe. If anyone is injured, call 911 or emergency services immediately. If you are seriously injured and can’t perform this check, you should focus on getting medical attention first. It is also vital to remain in the car until emergency responders arrive.
Potential Hazards
If everyone involved in the accident appears to be okay, then check for potential hazards that should be avoided, such as fluid leaks or dangling electrical wires. If you can move your vehicle away from potential danger, do so carefully and slowly. Remember to use your turn signal and check for other cars or pedestrians in the area.
Call the Police
Once you’ve ensured everyone is safe, the next thing on your to-do list should be to call the police. No matter how minor, every car accident should be reported to the police. The police will come to the scene and fill out an official report, which will serve as crucial evidence in your insurance claim or lawsuit. Be sure to get a copy of the police report for your records.
Importance of Reporting an Accident
In some states, it is even a law that you must report any car accident to the police. So if you are in doubt about whether or not to call the police, do not hesitate and give them a call. They can guide what to do next and take down witness accounts for use later. Make sure you get the officer’s name and badge number.
Gather Important Information
After calling the police, it’s time to gather critical information about the accident. You should get the names, phone numbers, and addresses of everyone in the accident scene.
Take Photos
Take photos of the accident and visible injuries. The more information you have, the better your chances of getting the compensation you deserve. Additionally, make sure to keep all of your medical records. This will be important if you seek compensation for any physical or emotional damages caused by the accident.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Notify your insurance company as soon as possible after the accident. They will guide you through the process from start to finish, including filing a claim and any other next steps that need to be taken.
Provide Details
Keep in mind to be as detailed and accurate as possible in recounting the accident to your insurer. Every little bit of information counts. If you have pictures or videos showing the accident scene, make sure you provide them to your insurer as well.
Keep Records
Always keep a record of all communication with your insurance company and any other involved parties. This will be important should there be any misunderstandings about what happened or who is at fault for the accident.
Seek Legal Advice
If you feel you’re not getting the justice or compensation you deserve, it might be time to seek legal advice. Speak to a personal injury lawyer who specializes in car accidents. If you have head injuries, you should consult a reputable head injury lawyer.
Navigate the Legal Process
They can help you navigate the legal process, including the complexities of dealing with insurance companies and making sure your best interests are protected. They can also help you understand your rights and the potential for compensation if your case is successful.
Make sure to choose a lawyer with experience with car accident cases so they know what needs to be done to get you the best possible outcome.
Car accidents can be traumatic and emotional, but knowing what to do after an accident can alleviate many of the stressors that come with it. Always put safety first, gather as much information as possible, notify your insurance company, and seek legal advice for any unresolved issues. Remember, it’s your legal right to get the compensation you deserve after an accident.
