Statistics show that the number of car accidents in the US is worryingly high, with approximately six million accidents per year and close to 100 daily deaths connected with these crashes and collisions. Such statistics make for frightening reading, and the most concerning part of all is that even safe and sensible drivers can find themselves involved in accidents through no fault of their own.
Even when you follow the rules, obey the speed limits, keep your distance, and avoid distractions, you can still fall victim to the recklessness or negligence of other road users, potentially putting yourself and your passengers in real physical danger. This is why it’s so important to know how to respond and what to do if and when an accident happens.
Get Medical Attention
After an accident, there are many things to think about, from contacting a lawyer to exchanging insurance information with the other driver(s), but your number one priority should always be the health and safety of yourself and your passengers. If anyone is seriously hurt, it’s vital to get medical attention as soon as possible.
In some cases, you may only be suffering from minor injuries or may not notice any real symptoms like aches, pains, or bruises, but it’s still always important to visit a doctor and get yourself checked out. Often, car accident injuries can only start to appear a day or two after the accident, but early detection and treatment can save you a lot of pain and trouble later on.
Document the Scene and Report the Accident
Documenting the scene is another key part of the process when it comes to dealing with auto accidents, so make sure that you remember to do this, as long as you’re physically able to do so. This includes using your phone to take photographs of the site of the accident and the vehicles involved, as well as photographing any visible injuries and speaking with witnesses too.
All of this documentation can prove invaluable later on when it comes to making a claim or if your case ends up in court, as insurance adjusters will often do all they can to try and minimize the amount of compensation you receive. You should also make sure to contact the police in order to file an official police report of the accident too.
Exchange Information
Of course, it’s also vital to exchange information with the other driver or drivers involved in the accident. Be sure to note down as much information and as many details as you can, including the driver’s name, contact details, and insurance info, as well as the colour, make, model, and license plate number of their vehicle.
There are cases in which drivers may lie and give false information to others in an attempt to try and avoid paying out for a crash they caused. This is why you should note down everything and take photos of the site too, just in case someone tries to trick you. Again, all of this information can be very important for making claims and handling any legal issues later on too.
Contact a Lawyer
It’s also strongly recommended to speak with a lawyer after an auto accident too, as they’ll be able to guide you through the remainder of the process, as well as answering any questions you might have regarding a settlement offer you receive or what your exact rights are in relation to your insurance company, etc.
The finest auto accident lawyers have years of experience and an in-depth understanding of these kinds of situations, knowing exactly how to navigate each case and get the best results for their clients. They can assist you in terms of getting the best possible payout or defending you if the case goes to court and the other driver tries to pin the blame on you, for instance.
Final Word
It’s never a pleasant experience to be in an auto accident, and nobody wants to even think about being involved in a crash or collision. However, it’s very important to face this issue and at least know some key steps to follow if an accident happens in order to defend your rights and give yourself the best chance of a positive outcome.
Keep these tips in mind and follow the steps carefully if an accident occurs to push the odds in your favour, but above all else, remember to drive safely, stick to the speed limit, and take great care on the roads to avoid accidents in the first place.
