No matter how careful you are on the road, there is a chance that at least one driver is engaging in dangerous driving practices that could lead to an accident. While getting involved in a car accident is physically and emotionally traumatic on its own, the situation becomes worse when the accident results from the negligence of another driver on the road.
Although it is natural to feel shaken up in the wake of a car accident, you should remember to follow a few essential steps after the accident to ensure your safety and follow the correct legal procedure to make any future insurance claims smooth and hassle-free. Read on as we take a closer look at the steps you should take immediately after getting involved in a car accident.
Checking For Injuries
The first step is to check yourself and the passengers in your car for any signs of visible injury or bleeding. While making your best efforts not to move, you should call the emergency services and request medical assistance. It is also a good idea to shout for help from any bystanders who might have witnessed the accident.
Getting to Safety
If your injuries allow you to move and your car is in a good enough condition to drive, you should immediately park it to the side of the road, away from the path of the incoming traffic. You should turn on your hazard lights and take out your emergency car kit to signal other drivers to slow down.
Doing so not only gets you out of active danger but also prevents road blockades which would otherwise delay the arrival of medical or police help to the site of the accident.
Informing the Police
No matter how small the accident, it is always advisable to report it to the police. Reporting the accident to the local law enforcement is essential to create a written record or report with accompanying physical evidence. An official record of the accident by the police allows you to file a claim for insurance purposes and help you sue the responsible driver for damages.
Exchanging Personal Information
Once you have ensured the safety of everyone involved in the accident, you should exchange your personal information, contact details, and license plate, etc., with the other driver. It is best not to argue about fault or damages at this stage, since an insurance adjuster will examine the evidence to determine the party responsible for the accident.
Documenting the Accident
To help protect your legal rights in case of a potential lawsuit, you should document the accident. This documentation effort should include the names and badge numbers of the police officers who responded to the accident, a copy of the official police report, detailed photo and video evidence of your physical injuries and property damages, names of all parties involved in the accident, and brief eyewitness statements.
Hiring an Attorney
The best way to safeguard your legal rights is to hire an experienced attorney to represent you in a potential lawsuit resulting from the accident. Competent Dallas car accident attorneys at Angel Reyes & Associates can help you obtain fair financial compensation for your physical and financial damages and help you stay organized throughout the complicated legal process.
