Most of us do everything we can to avoid pain, suffering, and general discomfort. However, there are some things that are outside of our control, like other drivers. You can make every attempt to drive carefully, yet, that doesn’t guarantee your safety on the road.
Any number of things can cause a car wreck, from animals on the road to other motorists. Regardless of what caused the accident, it’s imperative to know what to do when in a car wreck. We can help.
Keep reading for five immediate steps you need to take after an auto accident.
- Ensure Your Safety and Call 911
Whether you wreck a car because you lose control in icy conditions or because you were t-boned by another driver, your first step is to ensure your future safety. Quickly check yourself for injuries and assess your current situation.
If your vehicle is in the middle of a high-traffic or high-speed road, you need to move. If possible, pull the vehicle off to the shoulder. If not, exit the vehicle and get out of harm’s way.
Then, call 911 to report the accident.
- Exchange Information With the Other Driver
Next, you need to talk with the other driver involved in the accident to exchange the necessary information. No matter who’s at fault, you need to get their information and give yours, this includes:
- Names and contact information
- Insurance information (provider, policy number, contact information)
- Vehicle description (color, make, model, license plate number)
Some people exchange driver’s license numbers, but you may not feel comfortable doing that. Wait for the police to arrive for further guidance if you need more help.
- Collect Evidence
After a car wreck, it’s a good idea to gather evidence of the accident scene. This evidence will prove valuable when filing an insurance claim or pursuing a car accident lawsuit.
We recommend taking pictures of both vehicles (inside and out) as well as the scene. Take pictures of skid marks and damaged property (road signs, benches, turf, etc.)
Additionally, try to get witness statements from outside parties who saw the accident. Write down what they say and get their contact information.
- Schedule an Appointment With Your Doctor
Immediately following a car wreck, you might not notice any injuries. However, this doesn’t mean that you are free and clear. In some cases, car accident injuries present themselves hours, or even days later.
For this reason, we suggest seeing a doctor as soon as possible to get a complete evaluation. Their medical documentation will be powerful evidence if you have trouble with the insurance claim or decide to pursue a personal injury lawsuit.
- Contact an Attorney
Finally, let’s talk about the potentiality of needing a car wreck attorney. In some car accident cases, the liable insurance company offers a settlement that’s too low. They might even refuse to accept the claim.
In this case, you’ll need a legal professional to help you pursue the compensation you deserve. This is common after suffering severe, life-altering injuries.
Do You Know What to Do After a Car Wreck?
We hope you never experience a car wreck, as it can be incredibly traumatic, physically and mentally. However, if you have been in an accident, we hope our tips provide the guidance you need to come out on the other side.
And if you’re looking for more information, stick around. Our blog is full of articles created to help people like you find the answers to their problems.