No matter how safe a driver you are, nothing can prepare you for being in a car accident. Whether it is through a pure accident, or because of reckless driving, negligent motorists can cause unwanted property damage and injuries. The worst part is that accidents can happen anytime and anywhere, so it’s always best to know what to do in the event of a serious accident with the negligent driver.
Here’s a checklist of specific actions to take in the event of a car accident.
1. Secure yourself and others
In any accident, it’s important to check yourself and your passengers of any injuries. Never attempt to move your body if you think you sustained any fractures or significant trauma, especially involving your neck or spine. In the case of minor injuries, you can check the other passengers in your car and see if you can help anyone out.
Again, do not attempt to move a severely injured passenger. You may also check the occupants of the other vehicles for injuries. If no one else is on the scene to take charge of everything, you can take the initiative if you are not badly injured yourself. Call emergency services or get someone on the scene to help out.
2. Give details
Once the authorities arrive and take control of the area, your only obligation now is to give detailed accounts of what happened. Police will start questioning you, so it’s important to put your account on the record. If you are not sure of your response to certain questions, tell them. You also need to check with other witnesses on the scene to corroborate your account.
In minor cases, you can exchange insurance information with the other party and take pictures of the scene. These will help you with your personal injury case later on. If you`re able, take as many pictures of the scene as you can on your phone. It can prove to be invaluable evidence for you in the future.
3. Contact your insurance company
After ensuring the safety of everyone injured and answering questions from authorities, you may need to inform your insurance company. It is important to know much you will be getting from your current policy. For sure, your insurer should arrange for your vehicle to be towed and provide you with a claims specialist who will oversee the entire claims process.
4. Hire a personal injury attorney
In the case of significant physical injuries, you could be in the position to file a personal injury lawsuit against a negligent motorist. For this, you need to find an attorney or a law firm that specializes in personal injury litigation. Tario Law, for instance, provides lawyers who are experienced in handling vehicle and pedestrian accident cases.
Typically, you would be given a free consultation before you can get into structuring a strong case. In cases where your insurance claims are in dispute, you can hire an attorney who can help you file a case against the other party`s insurance provider.
Car accidents are unavoidable wherever you are. Until people start driving more responsibly, you need to be prepared for anything you might come across while you are on the road. For now, knowledge will be your greatest asset, and using the guide above is a good start.
