Car accidents are common, and they can be traumatic. Not only can you harm yourself, but you can also damage your car and injure other people. To make matters worse, determining who is at fault can be confusing. However, taking crucial steps after a car accident is essential to prevent further issues. This blog post discusses these steps, so you can protect yourself after being in a wreck. Keep reading!
Ensure that everyone is safe
The first crucial step after a car accident is ensuring that everyone involved is safe. This means checking for injuries and calling for medical help if necessary. It is also essential to assess the damage to the vehicles and any other property.
If the accident has caused a traffic jam, it may be necessary to redirect traffic. If you get into an accident at night, turn on your hazard lights so that other cars can see you. You might also need to move your vehicle from the scene for other cars to move. And if you can’t move your car, get yourself and anyone else involved in the accident to a safe place away from the road.
Then, call the non-emergency police if it’s a minor accident. However, you can call 911 for an ambulance if it’s not a minor accident.
It would help if you remained at the accident scene until help came. Once everyone is safe, and the scene is under control, you can proceed with other necessary steps. They include exchanging insurance information with the other drivers involved.
Exchange details with others involved
After ensuring everyone’s safety, you should take note of the details. While doing this, remember that it’s essential that you know your rights.
First, snap pictures of the scene, including images of the vehicles. This step gives the police more insight into how the accident took place. So, even if you’ve moved the cars, there’s picture evidence of how it happened.
Then, collect the other drivers’ information, including the insurance information. By gathering this information, you have a strong case already if you plan to file a claim. However, if the other driver doesn’t have insurance, you can call their carrier. To be safer, you can even get the witnesses’ contact information.
Also, you’re on the verge of losing your case if you already admitted being wrong at the scene. So, you shouldn’t apologize till the necessary investigation has been made. But you can show concern by getting medical help.
Determine if there should be a claim
There are a few reasons why you might not need to file a claim after a car accident. For example, a claim is unnecessary if the damage to your car is minimal, and you can pay for the repairs yourself. Also, if you have a good insurance policy with a low deductible, you may decide to pay the deductible.
Another reason not to file a claim is when the other driver is clearly at fault, and their insurance company wants to pay for the damages.
However, you should involve your insurance company in some cases. One of the reasons is that even minor injuries might cost a lot that you might not be able to afford. Another reason is that the other people involved might want to take legal action against you.
Also, you might find yourself in a situation where it’s hard to judge who’s at fault. So, even if you won’t be filing a claim, you should inform your insurance company.
Call a car accident lawyer.
The next essential step after a car accident is to inform an attorney. If you live in Atlanta, you have a high chance of meeting a reputable car accident lawyer. However, it depends on several factors, including the severity of the accident and insurance coverage. If the accident was severe, you need an attorney. You can check for a lawyer for car accident in Atlanta here.
Another reason you might need an attorney is if there’s a dispute between the parties. Even the insurance company might decide to cheat you by paying less, and you can’t fight for yourself. So, you need to discuss your legal options with someone that understands the law. They will protect every right and interest you have in the case.
But how do you know the right car accident attorney for you in Atlanta? A reasonable attorney must have a substantial list of credentials and be willing to offer a free consultation. They must also have a good personality that aligns with yours and the zeal always to win.
Seek proper medical help
You must seek proper medical assistance as soon as you leave the accident scene. Even if you don’t think you’ve been injured, it’s always best to get checked out by a doctor. They can assess your condition and ensure you’re not in danger.
