What to do After an Auto Accident
Just gotten into a car accident and have no idea what to do next? This isn’t something that everyone in life is prepared for, mostly because we all hope we never get into a car accident. If you’re unsure of what to do after an auto accident, follow this guide.
Stop and pull over.
Even if it was a minor accident, always stop and pull over to check for damages. Make sure that no one was injured in the accident (even a minor accident can cause whiplash or result in minor injuries).
Protect other drivers.
Make sure you’re completely out of the road. Whether you pulled into a median, onto the shoulder, or into a parking lot, ensure that all cars (unless they’re not drivable) are out of the way of oncoming traffic. Put on your hazards or put out cones to warn other drivers that your vehicle is stopped.
Call the police.
Even for a minor accident, and even if there was no visible damage to either vehicle, you always want to call the police to file an accident report. You could have underlying injuries or your car may start to have later issues as a result of the accident. You also don’t want to end up in a situation where the driver at fault tries to claim they’re the victim because no report was ever filed. Always call the police to file an accident report after getting into a car accident.
Recount the accident.
When the police arrive, tell them exactly what happened so they can report it accurately. You may be dealing with police, insurance companies, and a car accident attorney, so be sure to always recount the accident accurately so that it’s clear who the party at fault is.
Take photos of the scene.
Grab your cell phone and take photos of the scene of the accident. Take clear photos of the damage of all vehicles involved to make it even more clear who the driver at fault was. Many times, the at fault driver will try to make an appeal to avoid a higher insurance rate and having to pay damages for vehicle repairs, so taking photos can help your case.
Seek medical attention.
Even a minor accident can cause whiplash and other underlying injuries, so it’s a good idea to always visit a doctor after getting into a car accident. Taking care of yourself is your number one priority.
Hire a car accident attorney.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, or if you’re struggling to get the insurance company to pay for the damages to your vehicle, hiring a car accident attorney is the best way to ensure you get the payments you deserve. Your attorney will work with you to ensure that you get your medical expenses covered and that you have a completely working vehicle to get you where you need to go.
If you’ve been in a car accident, call The May Firm about your case.
