Studies report that vehicle collisions occur every minute of the day throughout the world, typically every sixty seconds. Yearly over five million driving accidents occur. Experiencing a fatal collision can be a horrific tragedy especially if you are unaware of the essential steps to take. Here are the ten essential steps to take after being in a vehicle accident.
Step One: Examine Yourself and All Passengers & Vehicles
At this point if you find any harm or damage, you can also notify your local law enforcement about these concerns. In the event you are harmed, stay put and wait for emergency assistance.
In the event that you have not endured fatal harm or damage that prevent you to move and you have, other passengers in your car check their conditions and if they are injured, contact your local law enforcement. If you are not injured check the other passengers on the scene passengers, they may have already contacted the local police, if not you can report this as well.
Step Two: Remain At the Scene
As tragic as it is, it is very important to remain on the scene at the point of a car accident. Leaving the scene may cause other serious criminal charges, such as a hit and run.
Step Three: Move to a Safe Spot
It is not always good to move your car as this evidence to determine exactly how the car accident was caused. However, if it is a hazardous situation where it can cause harm to other drivers on the road, it might be ok to move your car on the side of the road to safety. Just be sure to take as many pictures as you can if you have to move your vehicle to a safe spot on the road. If the vehicle is ok where it is, it is best to leave it there.
Step Four: Contact Your Local Law Enforcement
Whether the accident is minor or a fatal collision, contacting the police is an essential step to take. Depending on which state you reside in it could be illegal not to report a vehicle accident. The office that responds to the scene will document an accident report with important details and facts from the scene. In the event, that the police cannot come, you can visit your local police department and fill out the report yourself.
Step 5: Wait for Assistance
Once you have contacted the authorities, turn off your vehicle, put your hazard lights on and if you have road flares, use them alarm other drivers to slow down.
Step 6: Exchange Contact and Insurance Information
Once you examine yourself and any other passengers on the scene and there are no injuries, exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver or drivers.
This may include your name, contact number, insurance information, driver’s license and license plate info and the location where the accident took place. Furthermore, avoid conversations with the other driver or drivers in regards to further details about the accident.
Step 7: Document As Much Details as Possible
For thorough documentation and security for yourself, it is essential to try to document as much details possible. Here are the essential things you should document:
- Retrieve the officers information
- Get a copy of the police report
- Take as many pictures of the scene and all vehicles
- Write down the names of all passengers on the scene
- Talk to witnesses who witnessed the accident
Step 8: Contact Your Insurance Company and Open a Claim
The effective way to report an accident to your insurance company is while you are on the scene, this way a representative can tell you exactly what is needed to initiate a claim.
Step 9: Document and Stay On Top Of Medical Treatment
If you were injured from the collision, it is also essential to document and keep copies of all medical documents, prescriptions, medicines and bills provided to you during treatment. This will help you to prove how the injuries has triggered pain and suffering in your daily life. Moreover, in the event you have to miss work or family activities due to treatment, document this as well, as it is crucial upon your claim on proof on how this tragic accident has clearly affected your life.
Step 10: Determine If You Should Contact an Injury Attorney
In the event that you or anyone in the accident was injured, it is essential to contact an accident lawyer who specializes in vehicle accidents. Pacific Attorney Group offers more than seventy years of experience in vehicle accidents.
