Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident can often be frightening. Depending on the severity, it can be a chaotic situation that causes a sense of great panic. However, it is crucial for you to stay calm during this time. This is because it allows you to remain focused on the problem at hand and deal with it to the best of your ability. Doing so helps to ensure the best outcome of an unfortunate situation.
There are a handful of things that should be taken care of after an accident. This can include:
Call the Police
One of the first things that should be done after an accident is to call law enforcement. This is a crucial first step, even if the other party involved in the collision tells you otherwise. Having an officer there can make the scene safe, as they can direct other traffic around the wreck. In addition to this, they can draft an official police report, take statements from witnesses, and conduct any chemical tests that may be necessary. This information can be used to file a claim with your insurance company.
Do Not Apologize
It is important to avoid issuing an apology after an accident occurs. While it is a common reaction, it can sometimes be seen as an admission of fault for the accident. Instead of apologizing to the other driver, it is important to simply be polite and call for emergency services. This makes sure that you avoid discussing liability altogether.
Photo or Video of the Wreck
Once the scene of the accident is safe, it can be beneficial to walk around and take pictures or video of the accident. Doing so lets you capture evidence of any broken glass, deployed airbags, skid marks, and bloodstains that occurred during the accident. It can also be beneficial to document any inclement weather or unsafe road conditions that could have factored into the accident. This is all information that can be used in a future claim or lawsuit.
Record Important Details
Before leaving the scene of the accident, it is important to make sure you have documented every important detail and piece of information. Even if law enforcement is on the scene, you should not rely on them to gather this information for you. It is important to do so yourself so that you can be sure to have everything you need to file a claim. This may consist of the names of witnesses present, their phone numbers, and the registration information of all vehicles involved in the accident.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Receiving medical attention is the most important step after being involved in an accident. This should be done immediately, even if you are not experiencing any pain and feel fine. This is because it is possible to have an injury without realizing it. Being looked at by emergency services may allow you to catch an injury you did not know you had. Even though emergency responders may examine you on the scene, you should still see a doctor afterward. This can provide you with an official diagnosis in addition to documenting where, how, and what time your injuries happened. This information can also be used when filing a claim.
Contact our Firm
If you or a family member have been injured as a result of property conditions and are looking to file a premises liability claim, contact Lloyd J. Eisenberg & Associates today.
