Car Accident Lawyer
One of the most stressful situations you can experience is a car accident. Knowing what to do can help you retain your cool and keep everyone safe. You can also protect your interests. Here are 10 things you can do after an accident.
- Stay at the scene.
Leaving the scene of an accident, even a minor one, can get you into trouble legally. Do not drive away.
- Protect people and property.
Keep your flashers on. Put up flares if possible. Wait somewhere safe. It’s often a judgment call as to whether to move your vehicles or not. Assess the situation and get people to safety. Sometimes, it’s better to leave the cars where they are unless they interfere with traffic.
- Call 911
Get medical attention ASAP. If no one appears to be injured, it’s a good idea to call the police anyways. You may need a police report for your insurance company.
- Give an accurate account of the event.
When you’re talking to the police about the accident, just tell them what happened. Avoid giving speculations or guesses. Don’t say that it was your fault. If you aren’t sure about something, say that. It’s okay to say that you aren’t sure if you are injured. Soft tissue injuries often show up later when the adrenaline wears off.
- Take pictures.
If it’s safe and you are able, get pictures of the scene. Take pictures of any visible injuries and damage. Get photos all around the scene. Note the road conditions and traffic, too. If you aren’t able to do this, ask a friend who isn’t injured or involved to help you.
- Exchange information.
If the police responded, they will get information from everyone involved. You want the other driver’s name and contact information and their insurance company information. Get the names and contact information from witnesses, too. Make sure to get the information on the police officers who responded.
- Seek medical attention.
Take care of yourself and your passengers by getting medical attention for any injuries. You may feel pain the next day. Don’t let it go untreated or unreported.
- Report the claim to your insurance company.
You’ll want to contact your insurance company as soon as possible, even if you believe the accident wasn’t your fault. The other driver may blame you. You want your insurance company to be involved.
Contact a Lawyer
Keep your accident information together in case you do need to contact a car accident lawyer to help you receive compensation. It’s a good idea to talk to your personal injury attorney in Indianapolis, IN before settling to protect your rights.
Contact Ward & Ward Law Firm for more insight into car accident claims and what to do after an accident.
