Steps to Take Immediately After a Car Accident
by
Scott Goodwin on Dec. 17, 2013
Accident & Injury Car Accident Accident & Injury Accident & Injury Personal Injury
Summary: Car accidents happen to even the best drivers. Always be prepared; here are the steps to take immediately after a car accident.
You can't always predict or prevent a car accident. When you are involved in one, it is certainly a harrowing experience. However, the best thing to do after you are involved in a car accident is to remain calm and to take certain steps immediately that are very important.
Remain at the Scene
Always remain at the scene immediately following an accident. This is something you should do regardless of whether the car accident was your fault. You will have the opportunity to explain to authorities what happened and can seek medical attention if necessary. In addition, in the instance that the accident was your fault, you will want to stay at the scene to avoid criminal charges, especially if there are any injuries or deaths.
Check on Everyone
Immediately following an accident, you should always check on all the passengers in your car and on all the drivers and passengers of the other vehicle or vehicles involved. If it is necessary, call for medical attention as well. If anyone is badly injured, don't move them until an ambulance or EMTs arrive at the scene. However, you should move someone if they are laying in spilled gasoline that you worry might ignite. If this is the case, be very careful when moving the person and do so slowly and support his or her neck.
Exchange Information
Exchange information with the other driver. There should be an exchange of names, phone numbers, home addresses, driver's license numbers, license plate numbers and car insurance. This will make it easier to settle things if the damage to either vehicle or injuries to anyone involved is severe enough.
Call the Police
Call the police as soon as possible. It is even more important to do this if anyone has suffered injury or vehicles have been badly damaged. You will be able to tell the police what happened and file a report. Also, get the names of the officers and their badge numbers.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Contact your car insurance company and inform them of the accident. Tell the truth about the incident and about any injuries you or your passengers suffered and the damage your vehicle took. The insurance company will also examine the police report, so telling the truth about what happened in the accident will best enable you to protect your rights.
Remember that it is extremely important to remain calm after a car accident. You will be able to handle everything you have to in a more organized manner. If you are injured in any way, do not hesitate to contact an experience personal injury lawyer. Help will be on the way and remember that you are not alone.
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