Car accidents are extremely dangerous. Nearly 1.25 million people die in car accidents every year. Car accident deaths this year are down due to decreased travel during COVID-19, but it’s expected that car accident deaths per year will increase again in 2021.
There is something especially traumatic about getting into a car accident. The chaos, the injuries, and the financial stresses incurred when you endure an accident can overwhelm you and make you feel angry, paralyzed, and distressed.
The steps you should take after getting in an accident are critical. In the midst of that stress and chaos, though, it is difficult to remember what to do. Making the right choices immediately after an accident can save you time and trouble and help you get what you need from your insurance company.
Check for Injury and Get Help
The first thing you need to do when you have been in a car accident is to make sure everyone is okay.
Start with yourself. Assess any injuries and avoid making your injury from the accident any worse.
If you find that you don’t have any injuries yourself, check with everyone in your vehicle to make sure they are okay as well. Seek medical attention if necessary.
If your vehicle is in harm’s way, move it to safety.
Once you have made sure everyone is okay in your car, check with everyone else involved in the accident. Get them medical attention and help them get the vehicle to a safe location, if necessary.
Emergency services can help you make the best possible decision for your car accident injury, however severe or minor it may be. Calling them in is a great starting point after your accident.
Notify the Police
It is always helpful to have an official report for your insurance claim. In some states, it is legally required to call the police after an accident, no matter how minor.
Talking to the police can be stressful, but remember that they are there to help you.
When the police arrive, explain what happened in the accident, but don’t admit fault. Anything you say can be used against you during the insurance claim or legal process, so car accident lawyers recommend not admitting fault at any point. Calling the police will protect you as it shows you were taking appropriate action. Not admitting guilt will offer you further protection.
Gather Relevant Evidence and Witnesses
As you react to your accident, you may feel overwhelmed, and that’s okay. Take a minute to breathe and calm down and collect yourself and get the information you need.
Get the insurance information of the other people involved in the car accident.
Talk with witnesses so you have a good idea of what happened in the accident. You might think you know what happened, but getting further information from others at the scene can give you a better picture and help you when you talk to your insurance company.
Even in your conversations with the other driver and witnesses, avoid admitting fault. The insurance company will use the information gathered during the investigation to determine fault, which may affect your claim and compensation.
File a Claim with Your insurance
Getting your insurance claim filed will help you to get the financial assistance you need after the accident.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer
Whether you are found to be at fault in the accident or simply need more assistance from your insurance company or the other driver, you need to call a car accident lawyer!
A good car accident attorney will give you helpful advice and represent you in court to receive the best possible outcome. A competent car wreck lawyer is a vital asset to get your life back in order following a car accident injury.
Car crash attorneys will also negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to make sure you obtain adequate compensation to help you with medical bills, repairing or replacing your vehicle, and staying financially afloat in the aftermath of the accident.
Choose a lawyer you trust. Get a good understanding of how your attorney will be compensated before making the hiring decision.
Navigating your response after being in an accident can be difficult and stressful, but you can do it! By taking care of the safety issues first and contacting the people you need to deal with the aftermath of the accident, you can minimize stress and make sure you are cared for.
No matter why an accident occurs, remember to stay calm, and follow these steps to make the most out of a difficult decision.
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