Getting in an accident can be an incredibly stressful experience. If you are lucky, the damage may only amount to some scratches on your vehicle. However, if you are not so lucky, you may find yourself involved in a significant collision that results in severe injury or death of another person and the aftermath is never easy. You will need to deal with insurance companies, police officers, and other emergency personnel while trying to make sure everyone involved gets the medical attention they deserve.
It is essential for people who experience this type of event to understand their options when it comes time to take legal action against someone else for what has happened. This blog post provides readers with ten things they should do immediately following a car accident, as well as general information about the legal process.
10 Things to do When you get into a Car Accident
If you are in an accident, the following steps are important to protect yourself and ensure that you get the help you need.
1. Remain at the scene.
Remaining at the scene is among the most important things to remember. It is best to stay at the scene of the accident until all parties have been accounted for and law enforcement has cleared the scene.
2. Seek medical attention for you and your passengers if necessary.
Even the most minor accident that results in no injuries may warrant a trip to see your doctor or an urgent care facility depending on how much pain is present. If someone has been injured, it is vital to call 911 immediately so paramedics can provide appropriate treatment before taking them to the hospital.
3. Call the police and report the accident.
Calling law enforcement is yet another important step that should not be skipped, especially if any injuries or fatalities are involved. A police officer will create an official report of the happenings, which can be used as evidence in a legal case down the road.
4. Exchange information with all other drivers involved in the accident.
Exchanging information includes names, addresses, phone numbers, insurance information, and driver’s license numbers.
5. Take pictures of the accident scene.
If you can safely do so, snap some photos of the accident scene from different angles. These can be helpful later on when trying to piece together what happened.
6. Notify your insurance company.
As soon as possible, call your insurance company and report the accident. They will want to know all the details to begin processing your claim.
7. Do not sign any documents without talking to an attorney first.
This is especially important if you consider filing a lawsuit against the other driver involved in the accident. Signing any documents without legal counsel can jeopardize your case and may result in you receiving far less money than you deserve.
8. Keep a journal of everything that has happened since the accident.
Record all conversations you have with insurance agents, lawyers, and anyone else involved in the process. It will be helpful to have this information written down in an organized manner for when the time comes to review your case.
9. Make copies of all medical, legal, and insurance documents you receive during this process.
This includes accident reports from law enforcement officials or doctors’ notes documenting injuries sustained due to the collision. These can be important evidence later on if you decide to file a lawsuit.
10. Get in touch with a car accident attorney.
If you have been injured due to the accident or consider filing a lawsuit, it is vital to seek legal assistance from an experienced attorney. They will guide you through the process and help ensure that your rights are protected.
The above list contains some of the most important things to do when you get into an accident. If you have been in a severe collision, it is vital to understand your rights and how best to protect yourself during this difficult experience. It also helps to work with an attorney who specializes in personal injury cases so they can help guide you through this process.
When Purchasing A Vehicle
Always remember to run a VINsmart report on any used vehicle before making a purchase. A VINsmart report runs a complete history on the vehicle including whether it has ever been reported as stolen, involved in a major accident, or listed as a totaled vehicle.
VINsmart reports will also give you a registration history and mileage at registration. It reports any significant incidents related to the vehicle, such as being involved in a fire or flood.
When you are going to purchase a used vehicle, the best way to ensure you are making a good purchase is to know the vehicle’s complete history.
