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Thursday, July 16, 2015

What to Do Right After a Car Accident


If you get into a car accident, what do you do? Who do you call? Do you check your injuries and property damage first? If you’re injured and once your injuries have been treated, who will you attempt to talk with first: the other driver, the police, insurance representatives, or a lawyer?



Sort out safety issues.

Do not leave the scene, for you may be accused of a hit-and-run. Ensure your safety and the safety of others (e.g. your passengers or pedestrians, if any). Call the paramedics, and get proper medical care, especially if you were severely injured, but also when there are no apparent injuries, to stay on the safe side.

Call the authorities.
Make sure a police officer gets to the scene and properly carries out an initial investigation. Make sure the documentation states that you did not leave the scene of the accident. The information for all parties involved in the accident should also be recorded.

Gather evidence.

Medical records and the police report are very important pieces of evidence, which is why getting treated immediately should be a priority. Also, be sure to get the contact information of any witnesses or by-standers that you can.  You could take notes or pictures of the scene by using your smartphone or ask someone else to do it if you need to be taken to the emergency room right away.

Speak to a lawyer.

Car accident injuries can have high stakes financially, so make sure you don’t commit mistakes by consulting an attorney. Make sure you speak to a lawyer before you even think about talking with the insurance company.  Anything you tell the insurance company investigator will be used against you. Only your lawyer will have your best interests at heart. He or she can advise you on what your next steps should be.

1 comment:

  1. What should you tell the police if you're at fault? I've always heard not to say ANYTHING, but I'm not sure how someone would actually do that.

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