After the shock of being involved in a wreck, you’ll want to know how to protect your own physical and financial safety, as well as the well-being of those around you. Unfortunately, not knowing a few things about what to do and what not do after a collision can land you in some serious trouble on top of the stress and injuries you’re already suffering from. Here are five tips on what to do if you’re involved in an accident.
1. Stay at the Scene of the Collision and Attend to The Injured
Never leave the scene of a collision you are involved in without ensuring everyone involved is safe. If people were injured, make sure they get medical help. Regardless of whether or not anyone is injured, calling 911 can do more than get people the help they need — it will also create a record of the event for use by law enforcement.
2. Don’t Make Yourself Vulnerable to Liabilities
Legal issues are another reason you should make sure that everyone involved in an accident gets the medical attention they need. Neglecting this is a misdemeanor in some states and can become a felony if the car accident you are involved in causes a death. Don’t admit fault for a collision, as this can also leave you unable to protect yourself from lawsuits and penalties.
3. Document
Law enforcement and insurance providers will request a record of what led to the accident. You should obtain the phone numbers of witnesses, if any are present. You’ll also need the insurance company name and policy number of the other driver, as well as their phone number, address, and name. Taking photos of the scene can also be helpful. You’ll want to remain calm to ensure full cooperation from others.
4. File an Insurance Claim
Because some insurers impose time limits for filing claims, it’s best to be proactive and get started on filing your claim immediately after your collision. This is also another situation in which adequate documentation will be needed. Insufficient documentation can hinder chances of receiving the compensation you require.
5. Get Medical and Legal Help if Needed
Be sure to see a doctor if you suspect you might be injured because health problems associated with a collision can become more severe over time. Getting treatment fast can reduce complications and cut your medical bills down to size. Seek legal advice if your medical bills spiral out of control or an individual involved in your accident threatens legal action. If you live near Toronto and are in urgent need of advice following a collision, you might want to consider a car accident lawyer such as those at SBMB Law. If you live elsewhere, you can always use the internet to find local firms to give you legal advice or representation.
As difficult as getting involved in a collision may be, it’s still essential to regain your composure and remember to make use of these best practices to ensure the safety of everyone involved in a collision. Remembering this will ensure that your troubles will be reduced so that you can get on with your life as soon as possible.
