Steps You Should Take After a Car Accident
What should you do immediately after a car accident? While most of the accidents on the road involve property damage, approximately 30% of all car crashes result in personal injury to the driver or passengers. If you were injured in an accident, here is a list of things you should do right away to protect yourself and your rights:
Stop and Remain At the Scene
It's crucial to stay at the scene of the accident until the authorities arrive. Leaving prematurely without exchanging information with the other driver could potentially harm your legal rights. Your commitment to this responsibility is key to protecting your rights.
Protect Yourself
Before you get out of the vehicle, make sure it is safe to do so. Turn on your hazard lights. If the accident occurs in the middle of the freeway or in an area where it is not safe to remain outside of the vehicle, remain in your car and lock all doors.
Call Police – 911
Having the accident documented by the police or the California Highway Patrol is a key step in filing your insurance claim. Be sure to get the police report number and order a copy immediately.
Make A Police Report
Sometimes, the police refuse to issue a report where there is no alcohol, drugs, or serious injuries involved. Keep in mind, however, that even if you feel no pain right away, chances are that your adrenaline rush is preventing you from recognizing the injury. You should insist that the officers issue a report and document everyone's statements at the scene and their contact information.
When you receive a copy of this report, make sure everything there is accurate. If you disagree with any portion of the report, you may go to the police station and request to have it revised to reflect the correct information.
Preserve Visual Evidence
Visual evidence can be a powerful tool in proving your case. Take pictures of all vehicles involved, their damage, and any road markings or debris. If you sustained visible injuries, document them as well. This proactive step can give you a sense of control over the situation.
Collect And Exchange Insurance And Contact Information
If the police arrive at the scene, they will gather all pertinent information and then include it in the police report. If the police do not respond, however, you should make sure to get the names, addresses, and contact information of everyone present, including the other drivers, witnesses, and bystanders.
Start a Claim With the Insurance Company
You will need to notify your own insurance company of the accident as soon as possible. Many drivers are afraid of notifying their carriers for fear of having an accident on their record. However, as long as the accident was not your fault, reporting it should not make any difference on your driving record. You should also find out if you have any medical payment benefits as part of your policy.
This type of coverage, known simply as “med pay,” is meant to cover urgent medical costs, such as emergency room and ambulance services, in the immediate aftermath of the accident.
Get Immediate Medical Care
Even if you don't feel any immediate pain, it's important not to assume that you're not injured. Many whiplash and soft tissue injuries can surface hours or even days after the accident. Seeking immediate medical attention is a crucial step in ensuring your safety and well-being, showing that your health is a top priority.
Especially in cases involving rear-end collisions, a serious spinal injury may result, and if allowed to go undetected and untreated, cause permanent handicap and disability. If you hit your head, blacked out, or lost consciousness even for a brief period, you should receive neurological follow-up to address any brain trauma or post-concussive symptoms.
If you notice any changes in your mood or ability to remember following the accident, it may be a sign of serious brain injury.
Keep All Records In One Place
It is important to keep organized and collect all accident-related information in one safe place. Take care that the photographs you took on the date of the accident do not get accidentally deleted. Preserve all contact information and receipts for out-of-pocket expenses, such as medication, co-pays, and car rental.
Consult With an Injury Lawyer
If you've been injured in an accident, it's vital to seek legal representation as soon as possible. Your personal injury attorney will ensure that all crucial evidence is preserved and will guide you before you make any statements to the insurance companies. They will also help you avoid all the pitfalls of the insurance claim and guide you toward the successful completion of your case.
The other party's insurance will contact you right away and ask to take your recorded statement, where they will try to make it sound like you were either partly or completely at fault for the accident or were not injured. Your attorney will help you avoid all the pitfalls of the insurance claim and guide you toward the successful completion of your case.
We work on contingency, which means we do not charge you any money unless we obtain compensation for your injuries. Call us today for a free consultation.
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