The moments after a car accident can be very stressful and rattling. However, it is crucial to try to keep your composure to ensure your own safety and minimize any stressful financial burdens that occur as a result of the crash. What should you do in the moments after a car accident?
Assess Yourself for Injury
The number one priority after any crash is ensuring you and all passengers are uninjured. If you are injured, try to limit all motion until emergency services arrive to provide care. If you are able to safely move your vehicle to the side of the road and away from danger, this would be a good time to do so.
Call 911
The next step is calling the police. If you or any of your passengers are experiencing discomfort, you should always report this to the responding officer. Even if no one was injured in the crash, calling the police is a good idea because the responding officer will be able to collect both parties’ insurance information and print a comprehensive report on the spot. This will come in handy as you look to fix any damages in the coming weeks.
Take Photographs
Taking photos is a crucial step to take after any car accident. It serves as a great way to quickly gather proof of all damages. Be sure to take several photos of the scene and all involved cars. Odds are, your smartphone’s camera will be more than sufficient in terms of quality, so snap away!
Gather Information
Before you leave the scene of the accident, be sure to gather as much information as possible. Here is some key information you should always remember to collect from the other driver involved:
- License plate number
- Make/model/year/color of vehicle
- Witness contact information (if they are willing to give it)
Contact an Attorney
After the dust settles a bit, you should contact a skilled attorney. It can be hard to gauge whether or not a car accident requires legal action. An experienced attorney will be able to advise you and guide you through the legal process.
Are You in the Aftermath of a Car Accident? We Can Help.
If you experienced an injury during a car accident, you deserve a skilled attorney who will get you the compensation that you deserve as a result of your car accident claim. Consult with an experienced attorney like those of the Law Office of Elizabeth A. Lawrence today.