Top Things You Should Do After an Auto Accident
 |
| Photo by Kindel Media from Pexels |
The US alone records over 6 million auto accidents per year. Most of these accidents involve property damage. However, 1 out of 3 accidents leads to personal injuries on the side of passengers and drivers. Still more, 2 out of 10 leads to fatal injuries. These stats are very worrying, right? Plus, if you have been involved in an accident, things can be overwhelming. But that doesn’t mean your life is over. With the right tips, you will get the right compensation and carry on with life. Here is how to conduct yourself after an auto accident.
Stop
Just stop there. Don’t try to run away. Even if it’s a minor accident, it’s always advisable to avoid driving away from the accident scene. Wait until the police arrive before making a move.
Protect The Accident Scene
Switch on your flashers. If your lights aren’t working, use a flashlight to protect the scene. Keep yourself safe as you wait by the roadside.
Call Police
Contact the police. Even if you didn’t sustain any injuries, be sure to call the police. For you to file a successful claim, you’ll need to provide a comprehensive police report. It’s also imperative to make sure that the vehicles involved in the accident remain where they’re. Don’t attempt to move them.
Record Everything
Be sure to make clear records when it comes to documenting evidence. For instance, once the police arrive at the scene of accidents, they will ask questions. Don’t hide anything. Give them a clear account of what happened. Never speculate. Leave the guesswork out of this. Stick to the facts. Don’t tell them that you are ok. Remember, it’s only the doctor who can ascertain the extent of your injuries. Thus, leave it to the experts. The only thing you have to give is your details and what you saw.
Take Pictures
Taking pictures is part of the evidence collection process. Thus, use your camera well. Take pictures of the accident scene. You can also use your phone to take pictures. Take photographs of visible injuries. You should also take pictures of the wreckage. Also, take pictures or videos of the witnesses. You can also document the weather. For instance, if it rained or there were hailstones, take pictures.
Exchange Information
Consider exchanging contact details with the other driver. This includes name, address, and even license number. You should also exchange information like insurance policy details. Don’t forget to record the contact details of the eyewitnesses.
Report It
Your insurance company should be notified in the shortest time possible. It’s important to note that a good number of policies have very strict terms. This includes reporting car accidents. In particular, the accident should be reported immediately. Waiting for too long can invalidate your claim. Connect your injury lawyer Springfield for further directions.
Other Steps
Here are additional things you should do:
- Seek immediate medical help
- Keep all the records
- Understand your rights
The Bottom-Line
The way you conduct yourself after an auto accident is very important. Things you do can strengthen or destroy your case. Plus, getting the process right will eliminate mistakes. The above are the top things you should do immediately after an auto accident.
