What To Do After An Auto Accident

If you have been involved in an auto accident, you may be in shock and not really sure what the proper protocol is for handling the situation. Injuries, car damage, and traffic problems may be prevalent, so you will need to do your best to stay calm in order to handle the accident appropriately. Here are some guidelines for you to follow so that medical assistance is called, vehicles get off the roadway, and monetary concerns are handled.

Check For Injury

As soon as the accident occurs, make sure you and anyone else in the vehicle with you are not injured in any way. If someone is hurt, the first step is to call an ambulance immediately. After your passengers are checked, go to any other vehicle involved in the accident to make sure there are not injured parties involved there, as well. Call for assistance if needed.

Call The Police

Call the police to come aid in traffic control if the vehicles cannot be moved to the side of the road. If there are injuries of any kind, the police would need to be involved as well. They will also be able to give you a report about the incident in case you need it in a court situation.

Collect Information

Get the insurance information from any other vehicles involved in the accident. You will need to give them your information as well. Do not admit guilt to anything involving the accident, as this can be used against you later on. Instead, focus on making sure everyone gets medical assistance if necessary. Be courteous, but do not accept responsibility.

If there are any witnesses to the accident, jot down their names and numbers in case they are needed in a courtroom to testify. If you have a cell phone, take pictures of the damage to your vehicle and any signs or obstructions that may have been a cause of the accident.

Call Your Insurance Company

Let your insurance company know there has been an accident and explain to them what had happened to cause it. They will send an insurance adjuster to take a look at your vehicle. The adjuster will draw up paperwork letting you know how much it would cost to repair the vehicle. 

Keep Track Of Medical Expenses

Keep detailed information about any medical expenses you incur, as another party may be responsible for paying it back if they are found guilty in causing the accident. Make sure to follow your doctor's orders and have them give you paperwork stating how much work you will need to miss from the injuries, if necessary.

Call A Lawyer

If the other parties involved in the accident do not admit fault, you may need to have a judge decide who pays for the medical expenses and vehicle damage as a result. It is best to call a car accident lawyer, like Klafter & Mason LLC, to speak on your behalf. They would know the proper procedures needed to take place in order to prove your innocence in the occurrence.


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