What to Do After a Car Accident
So you’ve gotten in a car accident. It doesn’t matter if it’s your fault or someone else’s, there are always steps that you need to take immediately following a collision. Here is what to do after a car accident. Many of these tips outline your legal and personal responsibilities and can help you get the outcome you deserve after a collision.
1. Address Any and All Medical Issues
Before anything, it is important in any collision to ensure the health and safety of everyone involved. That means calling ambulances, addressing any issues yourself and removing yourself from any dangerous situations. Never put yourself in further danger, either. Many people who are unsure as to what to do after a car accident often prioritize contacting their family over medical professionals, but emergency services, if needed, should be priority one.
2. Stay at the Scene
No matter where you need to be or what’s on your schedule, once you are in a car accident, you cannot leave the scene. If you can, be sure to move the vehicles involved as to not inhibit the flow of traffic or cause another accident. Many people who do not know what to do after a car accident will try and leave the scene or keep things exactly as they were. This is not the right move as traffic flow and safety are still the top priority.
3. Gather Witness Information
Almost all accidents involve witnesses, especially in urban areas. Witnesses are absolutely key to your coming insurance claim and any future legal action you may need to take. So if you are wondering what to do after a car accident once everyone is safe, it is collect the information of people who can help your case. This can include bystanders and even police officers who arrive on the scene. In the case of police officers, make sure you get their badge number as well. Without witnesses, you could face a lot of challenges in your claims and legal actions, which is why everyone should gather witness information as soon as possible after a collision.
4. Call a Lawyer
No matter who is supposedly at fault or what has happened, the biggest take away for what to do after a car accident is that you must contact a legal professional with experience in injury and vehicle collisions. Dealing with insurance companies, other people and the authorities means you should have the right kind of lawyer working for you. Luckily, there are firms with entire teams of experienced, professional legal experts who can help you get the representation and outcome you deserve in your car accident.
If you are ever left wondering what to do after a car accident, make sure you prioritize safety and health first. Make sure you are safe and help others get the medical attention they need, so long as you don’t further endanger yourself. From there, make sure that you stay at the scene and let traffic flow as much as you can. Take witness statements and contact a legal representative. That way, you can ensure your protection from all angles.
Abir Cohen Treyzon Salo, LLP lawyers offering personalized legal assistance to victims in cases related to civil rights, insurance law, car accident, property damage, medical malpractice, construction defects, and personal injury cases in San Francisco, Orange County, and Los Angeles. To know more, visit ACTSLaw/About-Us.