What To Do After A Car Accident
What should I do after a car accident?
Check for Injuries and Call 911
If you are injured, call 911 immediately. Try not to move if you believe that you are seriously injured. If you are able to move, check on your passengers and call 911 if they are injured.
Even if you do not believe life-threatening injuries have occurred, you must report your accident to police. Do not just exchange insurance information and drive away. Law enforcement needs to document the evidence and take witness statements so that you can prove the truth later.
Get to Safety
If you are able to do so, walk off the road to a sidewalk or other safe area. If your vehicle can be driven but is causing a hazard in the roadway, take photographs of all vehicle positions and damages before moving to the side of the road and turning on your “hazard” lights.
Gather Information at the Scene
If you are physically able, gather the list of items below. If you are not physically able, someone else should do this for you.
Police Item or Accident Number. Law enforcement will assign your accident a number that can be used later to obtain a copy of their formal report. If the responding officer does not have an item or incident “slip” or other document to give you with this information, be sure to get their name and badge number.
Photographs of the other driver’s insurance card, license plate, driver’s license, and registration. Do NOT discuss who may be at fault when gathering information from the other driver.
Photographs of the property damage to both vehicles.
Photographs of the scene of the accident, such as where the cars stopped after impact, traffic signals or signs, tire marks, etc.
Witness contact information. Most people will not want to wait at the scene of an accident if they are not involved, so be sure to get the full name and phone number of any eyewitnesses if they try to leave before police arrive.
Get Medical Treatment
If you’ve suffered an injury in a car accident—no matter how small it may appear—you should consult with a medical doctor. This ensures you get the care you need, as well as documenting your injuries for the insurance companies.
Talk to An Attorney
It is important to consult with a qualified injury lawyer as soon as possible after an accident. An attorney will help preserve the evidence of your accident and will deal with the insurance companies for you. NEVER give statements to insurance companies before discussing your case with counsel.
The lawyers at Sartin Riché can handle every aspect of your car accident case. From opening the first claim and securing a rental car all the way to presenting your case at trial, Sartin Riché will be there to ease your burden and ensure that you are treated fairly.
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