A car accident is an unfortunate incident that can cause a lot of injuries to the individuals involved. Whether it involves just one car or more than, the victims involved become rattled and may find it hard to decide what the next line of action should be. Some victims may come out of the accident unscathed, while others may have suffered severe injuries. As a victim, you could learn more about what to do by contacting a car accident attorney. Depending on the cause, severity, and effect on the parties involved in a car accident, there may be certain legal implications. However, before reaching out to a car accident attorney, there are a couple of things that should be done upon getting involved in a car accident, and they are:
Don’t Leave The Scene
Car accidents can happen in different ways. For instance, if a driver hits a stationary car or a person, it is best not to leave the scene. Leaving the scene may bring about hit and run criminal charges. So, advisably, the first thing to do is to stay at the scene of the accident and consequently assess the extent of the damage done.
Check All Those Present In The Car
Whether it is a low-impact or high-impact car accident, the driver(s) involved should check on all the individuals present in the car or cars as the case may be. This is to confirm if everyone is okay or not. Upon checking, it may be discovered that some of the individuals require immediate medical attention. In cases like that, an ambulance should be called.
Exchange Information
If a car accident that has occurred involves two different cars or possibly a driver and a pedestrian walker, both parties should exchange contact information as that will eventually come in handy. Names, Contact Numbers, Addresses, License Plates, and all other essential driving documents should be exchanged with the proper discretion. Even in situations where drivers involved happened to have hit a stationary car, and there is no one available to exchange contact with. They could simply copy the plate number of the car as it would help them during the report with the police.
Inform The Police
Usually, when an accident occurs, the police are called to the scene either by the witnesses or the victims of the car accident. They investigate and deliver the necessary information to family members if a person has died. As a driver who has just been involved in a car accident, after calling for medical help and exchanging information with the other party involved, it is best to personally inform the police officers of the incident that has occurred.
Don’t Admit Guilt
A car accident may lead to the police or even a court case in situations where there are severe damages or death. While it is advised to exchange contact info with the other party involved, it is always a bad idea to apologize. At that point, you are as much as a victim as the other party, and apologizing can suggest taking responsibility for the accident. A sentence as simple as “I am sorry I didn’t…” or “I am sorry I…” can have legal implications should the accident become a court case.
Inform Your Insurance Company
After any tragic incident, the individuals involved should always inform their insurance company of what had happened as this is the first step to making an insurance claim. Simply put, the earlier the insurance company is informed, the better. Drivers should make sure to take pictures of the damage done to the cars involved, as well as the injury sustained. In addition to this, all medical expenses incurred from treating the injuries sustained during the accident should be recorded. This will help while filing an insurance claim.
Talk To Only Your Lawyer And The Police
After doing all the necessary things like checking for survivors, calling for medical attention, and whatnots, drivers should make sure to inform their car accident lawyers. Aside from responding to police questions, drivers involved should speak about the incident only with their lawyers. Involving a third party can become a problem in the long run. When dealing with insurance companies after the incident, drivers involved in the accident should consult with their car accident lawyers to prevent getting sidelined. The car accident lawyer will give further necessary advice, including avoiding an early settlement.
If victims of car accidents can successfully do all these after their accidents, then they would have adequately handled the situation irrespective of the damage that may have been caused. And this will inevitably help, should in case it becomes a court case.