Important Steps to Take Immediately After a Car Wreck
By Space Coast Daily // March 22, 2021
Being involved in a car wreck can be a very traumatizing experience. Emotions tend to run high immediately after an accident.
The steps that you take during those moments after the wreck can be vital. Your safety and well-being will depend on the actions that follow. Having the contact of an auto accident attorney can come in very handy in those moments. Here are the steps that you should take immediately after a car wreck.
Report the Accident
The first call you should make right after the accident is to the police. You need to call to report the accident. You should not leave the scene until it is okay to do so. Leaving the scene, especially if someone has been killed or has sustained serious injuries, is illegal. You can end up facing criminal charges as a hit-and-run driver. The police will help in the preparation of an accident report. They also help to direct traffic and get the necessary emergency services.
Seeking Medical Care
Get medical care immediately after the accident. Seeking medical care can help to prevent serious injuries. It is vital to realize that some injuries may not be visible, but that does not mean that they are not serious. Many drivers and passengers often feel fine after an accident, but they may have internal injuries. Having a medical report will also help your auto accident attorney in any legal action that you may need.
Pictures of the Accident
Use your phone to take pictures of the accident soon after it happens. Take photos of the damage to your car, your injuries, and the scene. The photos can help to determine the compensation that you get for the damage. Apart from helping with the insurance, the photos can also be helpful in court. They can prove that you did not cause the accident. Pictures can help to reveal the circumstances leading to the accident and the extent of the damage. Taking a video is also helpful.
Contact Insurance Company
Contacting your insurance company immediately after the accident is important. Inform the insurance professionals that you have been involved in an accident. Explain the facts of the accident and inform them about the extent of your injuries. Failing to disclose important details can cause you to be denied coverage. Be careful when talking to the insurance company. Remember that any information that you relay may be used against you during legal action.
Contact an Attorney
It is very important to contact an auto accident attorney immediately after an accident. In many cases, accident victims need to file a lawsuit if they are injured in the accident. Having an experienced attorney on your side can help you to get more money from the insurance company. Most insurance companies offer the minimum amount that they can. In many cases, the money offered cannot even take care of your medical and other needs.
No one wants to be involved in an accident. Unfortunately, most people will get into a vehicle accident of one type or another. It may be a minor fender bender, or it may be a total car wreck. Regardless of the extent of the damage, the initial action that you take is vital.
Sources:
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/the-many-insurance-situat_b_10380760
https://www.forbes.com/advisor/car-insurance/determining-fault-after-accident/
