If you’ve been in a car accident, you may feel disoriented and unsure of what to do. We have created a guide to help drivers who have been in an accident to ensure that they can get the help they need.
Go To Safety
If the accident takes place on a busy road or highway, you must remove your vehicle from the road as soon as possible. When the car has little damage and can still function, drive the vehicle slowly to the side of the road and put it in park.
It’s also important to take in your surroundings. If the weather is dangerous or you are near a river or gorge, you must be careful when moving your car. Move it out of the way as best as you can and do not get out of the car if it is beside a busy roadway.
Once the car is out of the way of other motorists, check yourself for injuries and any passengers that may be traveling with you.
Call for Help
Be sure to call the police and emergency medical technicians as soon as possible after the accident. Police can enlist the help of a tow truck or shut down a portion of a busy roadway to help you get to safety. They can also observe the surroundings and gather evidence that may be helpful later.
EMTs are called to treat injuries on site. Depending on the nature of the accident, you or the other motorists involved may sustain life-threatening injuries that need immediate medical attention. Calling for help quickly can literally save a life depending on the circumstance.
Exchange Contact and Insurance Information
While you wait for help, you must share contact information and identification information with the other motorist involved. This information should include:
- Name and number of people involved
- The license plate numbers of all cars involved
- Insurance information
- Vehicle description (make, model, etc.)
- Crash location
- The badge number of responding police officers
It is also important that you take this time to take photographic evidence of your vehicle, the cars of those involved, and your surroundings. In many cases, an accident is caused by debris or road conditions so it’s important to record that information as well.
DO NOT Claim Liability
While you must speak to the police and collect information from other drivers, you must not claim liability. Many people feel pressured to claim responsibility after an accident, but this can cause complications for you in the long run. If another driver includes the fact that you took responsibility for their insurance claim, you may not get the coverage you need. Additionally, if the accident was the direct result of reckless driving or intoxicated driving, you could face criminal consequences.
Protecting Your Interests
Car accidents are terrifying and can leave emotional scars as well as physical. It may be difficult to take control of the situation, but doing so can save you from criminal accusations and lawsuits later on. Wax & Wax, A Law Corporation understand that an accident can be devastating, which is why our compassionate attorneys provide a variety of legal services to meet your needs.
Contact our firm today for more information.
