Being in a car or vehicular accident is not something that many of us have ever imagined happening to us but is extremely common. With an estimated six million car accidents in the United States each year, it is something that could happen to any of us.
While that may very well be the case and is not something you wish to think about, it is always best to be prepared for this potential eventuality. This includes knowing what to do following a car accident.
Table of Contents
In The Wake of The Accident
Ensure you and anyone else involved are safe. Prioritize this wherever possible.
Move yourself and anyone not injured out of any immediate danger. Do not attempt to move anyone who may have received severe injuries or who is stuck inside a vehicle. You could end up doing more harm than good.
Contact the emergency services and law enforcement officials immediately. Wait for them to arrive. They will be able to safely extract anyone from any vehicles while securing the area of any danger.
Ensure anyone who needs medical attention receives it. Transport them to the hospital with an ambulance where appropriate.
Determine what happened to cause the accident and inform the appropriate people. This includes your insurance company. Insurance companies and the Insurance Information Institute discourage you from determining fault with the other party.
Exchange information with others involved in the accident; only applicable if you have collided with another vehicle. Take photos of the scene and any damage. Support your claim with this evidence.
Soon After the Accident
Focus on resting up. Car accidents can be traumatizing events for all involved, no matter how significant. Receive treatment for your injuries, whether short-term or ongoing.
Establish whether you can submit a claim for your accident. Use any funds you receive to contribute towards any medical bills you have received. Enlist a lawyer to represent you and your case to obtain the best possible conclusion.
No matter your location, The Lopez Law Group, and associated car accident lawyers aid you with your claim. Whether you need a lawyer in Madison or a McAllen lawyer, ensure you contact one as soon as possible.
Monitor the progress of your compensation and insurance claims. It will not happen overnight. Seek any therapy or talking treatments you might need following the accident. The mental impacts of a car accident can be just as harmful as those physical.
Contact the appropriate bodies to book your vehicle to be repaired. This can only be done once it is established whether your car can be fixed. Find a new vehicle if this is not the case and the vehicle needs scrapping.