What Should I Do At The Scene Of A Car Accident?
As per the latest statistics, more than 90 people are estimated to die every day due to car accidents. Other than that, 3 million people are estimated to suffer from injuries every year, again, due to car accidents.
Don’t know what to do after a car accident? And also what to do after a car accident not your fault? In such scenarios where we have such alarming statistics, it is best to remain aware of the necessary precautions and measures pertaining to car accidents.
Do you know how to protect yourself in a car accident claim? Keep reading to know more about this topic.
What to Do After a Car Accident?
A majority of the population is not aware of the actions to take right after a car accident. This leads to severe consequences in the long run such as injuries or problems during injury claims. The necessary steps that you should immediately take, given you suffer from a car accident lawsuits, are listed below.
1. Stay At The Scene
Fleeing from the accident scene will only do you more harm than good. It will automatically establish that you were guilty. Therefore, simply stay at the scene and follow the next steps listed.
2. Call 911
Once you dial 911, you can ask for medical and for the police or any law enforcement agency. Even if you think that you have not been severely injured, you need to seek medical help right away because many injuries tend to show symptoms later on. By the time that you start feeling the symptoms, the injuries have complicated into something serious.
It is also necessary to have the police arrive at the scene so as to produce a police report. Having the report made instantly will prove you responsible on your part and can save you from future legal complications.
3. Document the Scene & Compile Information
Before the scene proceeds further, if you have the ability, gather as much information as you can. Since we all possess smartphones now, it is best to photograph and record the scene as well. The information you should gather includes:
- Contact information of the other driver
- Contact information of present eyewitnesses
- The other driver’s license plate number
- The other driver’s car details such as make, model, manufacturer etc.
All of these details and information shall prove helpful in your insurance claim later on. Any kind of delay in gathering information will only disrupt with your insurance claim later on.
4. Get Your Statement Straight
You will have to ensure that you do not end up admitting to ‘fault’ in the accident scene. Any kind of apology may establish that you were at-fault and will end up blotching your insurance claim.
5. Contact Your Insurance Provider
It is necessary to get in touch with your insurance provider within 24 hours of the accident so that you can file an insurance claim right away. Failing to do so will result in either very less compensation or no compensation for your losses at all. Also, consult with car injury lawyers so that you know how to deal with the insurance agents especially in matters pertaining to car accident claims.
If you’re looking for more information on car accident lawyers and other legal implications, browse our blog.
