Did you know that there are around six million car accidents in the United States every year? Car accidents are extremely common. And even if you’re a very safe and defensive driver, you can’t control what the other drivers on the road will do.
By knowing what to do after a car accident, you’ll be prepared to take action immediately during a chaotic time. So keep on reading and get some car accident help today!
1. Check for Injuries
Immediately after you get into a collision, you want to check yourself and your passengers for any serious injuries. If you’ve sustained any major auto accident injuries then you should call 911.
2. Move to a Safe Area
If you’re able to, you want to move your car off the road as soon as possible. If you keep your car in the middle of the street then you could end up causing more traffic problems. Try to pull over to a nearby parking lot or at least over to the shoulder of the street.
Never drive away from a car accident. This can be considered a hit and run and carries serious legal consequences.
3. Contact the Police
After you and the other car pull over, make sure that you are both okay. Because emotions can run hot during times like this, it’s best to keep the chit-chat to a minimum. Call the police and let them know about the accident so that they can send someone over.
A police officer will come over and collect your information and your story of what happened. While you can exchange information on your own with the other driver, it’s usually best to let the police officer do it so that no issues come up.
4. Document the Accident
Take out your phone and take photos of everything. Take photos of your car, the scene of the accident, and your own injuries. You want as much evidence of what happened as possible.
If you have a limited range of motion after the accident, then take a video of it. For example, if you can’t bend your elbow properly after the collision, take a video to show it.
5. Contact a Lawyer
It’s important to remember that your insurance company is not on your side. The job of the insurance company is to spend as little as possible. When you file a lawsuit with an auto accident attorney, you’ll be able to protect your finances and make sure that you receive damages.
Know What to Do After a Car Accident
A car accident is a chaotic and traumatic experience. If you don’t know what to do after a car accident, you could end up being taken advantage of. By being prepared and knowing how to act, you can protect yourself and your finances.
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