Car accidents are, unfortunately, a fact of life in the United States. In fact, it’s estimated that roughly 5% of the 235 million licensed drivers in the US have been in an accident. Crashes are also expensive, with average damages ranging from more than $50,000 up to $1 million, depending on the location.
Since you can’t completely eliminate the possibility of experiencing a crash, it’s vital to know what steps to follow after a collision happens. This guide will lay out a step-by-step series of actions you can take to make sure your legal interests and rights are protected and help your car accident attorney build the strongest case possible.
Make Sure Everyone is Safe
Safety is always the number one concern, so your first step is to make sure everyone involved in the accident is safe and uninjured. This includes making sure your car has come to a complete stop, putting it in park, turning on the hazards, and turning off the ignition. Exit your car only if you’re in a safe area away from oncoming traffic.
If your car is driveable and you’re blocking traffic, move it out of the way so that you can safely exit it.
Call the Police and Emergency Services If Necessary
Many state laws require drivers to give “reasonable assistance” to anyone injured in an accident. If someone has been hurt, your primary concern should be dialing 911. Never attempt to move an injured person and don’t attempt CPR unless you’ve been trained and qualified. There’s a high chance you do more damage than good.
If no one has been injured, your first call should be to the police department’s non-emergency number. You may think your accident doesn’t warrant police attention but a police report is a crucial pice of evidence in determining liability and damages during the legal process.
Exchange Information With the Other Driver
Again, many states require you to share basic information with the other driver such as name, address, and vehicle registration number. Give the other drive your information and be sure to collect theirs. Leaving the scene of an accident without providing this information can constitute a hit-and-run, which can have serious legal implications.
Collect Evidence at the Scene
Take several pictures of where the accident occurred, including traffic signals and anything that may have obstructed the views of the drivers. Take pictures of damage to the vehicles and any surrounding property and document the driving conditions such as weather and traffic.
Visit Your Doctor
Even if you feel perfectly healthy after the accident, visit your doctor. Injuries resulting from an accident may not manifest until hours or days after the fact. Medical records are also important pieces of evidence when filing a claim and determining damages.
Contact Your Insurance Company if Necessary
Depending on your insurance policy, you may be required to report an accident within a certain time period. If this is the case, call your insurance company as soon as possible. Some states, but not all, protect drivers from rate increases if they’re not at fault for an accident. If you’re not in such a state, consider the potential cost of increased premiums compared to paying for repairs out of pocket.
Contact a Car Accident Attorney
Finally, don’t hesitate to contact an experienced car crash lawyer. The legal process regarding filing a claim and receiving compensation is complex and difficult to navigate for non-lawyers. Give yourself the best chance to maximize your potential payout by hiring a lawyer. A good attorney will not only help you get the best settlement possible, they will also guide you throughout the entire process, giving you time to focus on your recovery from the accident.
Experiencing a car accident is often a stressful situation and it can be difficult to know how to proceed. However, following the steps above will help you stay safe as well as build a strong case for your claim to ensure you get the justice you deserve.
Alex