Getting into an auto accident can be one of the most traumatic experiences in your life and often leaves you feeling disoriented and unsure about what to do immediately after. The steps you take directly after an accident are vital as they will help you remain safe and ensure your rights are fully protected.
The first step instantly after any collision is to call 911. Even if you are not injured, or do not believe you are, it is vital that a police report is filed for any collision, no matter how minor. If your car is able to drive and it is safe to do so, pull off the road.
Only get out of the vehicle only if it is safe to do so. This may seem very obvious, but it is very hard to think clearly in the first seconds of an accident. If there are other passengers in the car, you can also assist them more safely and efficiently from outside the vehicle.
Most important of all: DO NOT PANIC
Once the police have arrived, they can speak to other party involved and gather their information for the crash report. This report is vital for insurance claims and is required if you ever do wish to hire an attorney. Police officer’s body cameras are frequently a good source of information if your car wreck requires legal means to settle. If you can be safe doing so, take detailed pictures of any damage on your vehicle and the other party’s as well as the area the accident happened.
If you vehicle needs to be towed, make sure you remove all the items you want to keep including subwoofers, tools, car seats, etc. as it may be difficult or impossible to access your vehicle later.
Even if no medics arrive on the scene or you do not feel hurt, go to an emergency room as soon as you can. Often times, your adrenaline is so high promptly after a wreck that you do not feel injuries you may have sustained. Having a medical record of your immediate injuries will help not only your doctor with further diagnosis and treatments, but also your insurance provider.
It is important to stay as calm and levelheaded as possible following a wreck. You may want to go home, rest and deal with it all later, but the first hours after an accident are crucial for gathering vital information that you will need later.
Accidents don’t just effect you immediately, they may lead to a litany of issues that make your life more difficult. You may not have other transportation, you may lose income because you cannot work, previous medical issues may be exacerbated, and bills may begin to pile up. It can often become extremely stressful and costly to deal with an accident and these issues may even become life changing.
At Davis Law Firm, we understand how difficult this all may be and we are committed to ensuring our clients’ rights are fully protected and they receive the best treatment possible. Our team of highly skilled and compassionate attorneys make it their goal to guarantee this process as smooth and stress-free as possible and to advocate for our client’s best interest at all times. If you or anyone you know has been injured in an accident, call the 4’s! We are always here for you.
Call the 4’s today to get the help you need!
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