In densely populated areas with a lot of traffic, it’s almost impossible not to get into a traffic accident. Common causes of car accidents are bad weather, negligent drivers that use cell phones while in traffic, or road works that confuse inexperienced drivers.
In this short guide, we will explain the necessary steps to get help If you had a car accident. We’ll also mention who you should inform about the accident and how they can help you.
Stay Calm
If you’re involved in any type of accident, you’ll have to stop your car and check what happened. However slight it might be, it’s best to make sure your vehicle has some significant damages and if everyone else around you is safe.
Staying calm is one of the first things you need to have in mind. Take a few deep breaths and assess the situation you’re in. Of course, if someone is hurt, you’ll have to call an ambulance as well as the police.
Anger or irrational reactions won’t make the situation better, so take a few deep breaths and sit down and write everything that happened.
Make Sure Everyone is Safe
When you’re involved in a car accident, regardless of its scope, move your vehicle away from the road. On the other hand, if you hit someone else’s car, you’ll have to leave both cars on the spot until the police arrive.
In that situation, the best thing you can do is move on the sidewalk and make everyone leave the car. Make sure you turn on all hazard lights and place triangles on the road. This will alert approaching motorists about your situation and steer clear of your car.
Call an Ambulance
Calling for emergency medical help is a standard procedure after car crashes or minor traffic accidents. Should you notice anyone feeling lightheaded, in pain, or bleeding, medical staff will help them and take the nearest hospital if necessary.
Unless you have medical training, don’t try to move anyone injured because you can make the situation worse. It’s best if you wait for the help and ask everyone to call the police.
Contact the Police
Police have to check every car accident and create an official report that both drivers will have to take to their insurance company. Try not to admit fault or reveal any specific details regarding the accident to anyone except the police.
You should be polite and calm while answering the questions, even if the crash were partially your fault. Try not to get angry or violent, as it won’t help you in this situation. Later, you’ll tell everything to your lawyer to have a better understanding of your case.
Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer
In the event of an injury, you would need medical attention right away. Any severe injury resulting from a car accident could create an unexpected stack of medical bills. However, if another driver caused your injuries, there’s a legal way to claim compensation from the insurance company. If you consult with a personal injury lawyer to analyze your situation, you’ll find out how to cover all your medical expenses legally.
Contact Insurance Company
While the police are there, you’ll probably have to contact your insurance company or its representatives to inform them what happened. The law can help you fill in the state vehicle accident report that will speed up the claim process.
Inform Your Emergency Contact
You cannot handle a road accident while you’re hurt. In case you’re injured or have to go to a hospital, make sure to have an emergency contact on your phone. It could be your partner, parent, sibling, or anybody else you can trust. They’ll have to inform your supervisors and company of what happened and pick you up from the hospital once you start feeling better.
Record Important Information
Once the incident occurs, make sure you make a short video or take photos of what happened and mention all the names, addresses, and phone numbers. Also, say if there were any witnesses and anything you might need to send to your lawyer.
If your phone is damaged, take a piece of paper and write everything down just in case. Certain insurance companies require more information about the accident to process your claim, and with all this information, you might accelerate the process.
File Your Claim
Keep in mind that if you’re interested in filing a claim, you’ll have to do it as soon as possible. If you arrange to talk to a professional and follow the instructions, you’re increasing your chances of getting the compensation and potentially covering thousands of dollars in medical expenses.
Being in an accident and getting injured is a stressful situation. Rather than go through this unprepared, it’s best to know what you can do. All you need is to follow these tips and you’ll be okay. As a result, you’ll be more confident every time you’re driving.
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