Auto accidents happen all the time. If you’re lucky, the one you were a victim of was nothing more than a minor fender bender, in which case you and the other driver can simply make sure everyone is OK and exchange insurance information. But all too often, auto accidents are far more complex and require a longer list of to-dos for you and everyone involved.
For instance, perhaps you were hit by a distracted driver, multiple vehicles were involved, or someone is complaining of injuries that aren’t immediately visible. In these situations, it’s easy to panic and forget to follow a few key steps.
The steps you take after an auto accident are critical for your recovery, as well as for protecting your legal rights.
A Step-By-Step Guide: What To Do Immediately After an Auto Accident
Step 1: Check for injuries
Before attempting to do anything else, check yourself, the other driver, and any passengers who may have been with you for injuries. If anyone is hurt, even slightly, call 911 to report the accident. From there, move to a safe location away from the accident and existing traffic. Remember, adrenaline can mask symptoms, and injuries such as whiplash or internal trauma may not be evident at first. Plus, a medical evaluation is critical for linking your injuries to the accident.
Step 2: Cooperate with the police
As the police and ambulance arrive, it is imperative that you cooperate as much as possible. Answer all of their questions with as much detail as possible. Doing so allows them to accurately document what happened and how.
Step 3: Gather evidence
If you are physically able, you or a loved one should also gather as much evidence as possible. This can include cell phone photos and videos of vehicle damage (from all angles), the accident scene and surrounding areas, injuries, license plate numbers, the truck’s company name, road conditions, location markers, weather conditions, etc. Evidence like this can go a long way toward providing proof and giving you more control over what happens next.
Step 4: Don’t admit fault
Avoid apologizing or making statements about who caused the accident. Even if you are sure in your heart of hearts that the other driver caused the auto accident, it’s best to stick to the facts of the scene and your recollection of what happened. Fault determinations should be left to law enforcement and insurers.
Step 5: Exchange information
Regardless of the severity of the auto accident, it’s important to collect as much information as possible about the other driver. You are also required to provide similar information to them. This includes name and contact information, driver’s license information, insurance company info (with policy number), and license plate numbers.
Step 6: Gather eyewitness contact information
There are many auto accidents where fault is difficult to prove, and each driver blames the other. In instances like this, ask eyewitnesses for their contact information so the police or your attorney can contact them later. The police will likely gather this information and record statements, but pointing them in the right direction never hurts.
Step 7: Contact your insurance provider
Once you have been treated for your injuries and spoken to the police, contact your insurance carrier and file a formal claim. This is a crucial step immediately following an auto accident. Once again, avoid speculation and stick to the facts of what you believe happened. Also, avoid recorded statements until you understand your rights.
Step 8: Call a personal injury attorney who focuses on auto accidents
Auto accidents aren’t always cut and dried. There can be multiple liable parties, injuries, aggressive insurance companies looking to protect their best interests, and extenuating circumstances that you may be unsure how to handle. Navigating this requires more than general knowledge. You deserve focused legal expertise to determine how this happened, who is responsible, and what should happen next.
If you or a loved one has been involved in an auto accident, you need a personal injury attorney to help you get the compensation you deserve. We will work tirelessly to investigate your case, identify all responsible parties, and hold them accountable for your injuries and losses. The bottom line is that you deserve compassionate and knowledgeable legal advice, and we are here to help.
Call Keys Law Offices Today!
As mentioned above, automobile accidents can occur for various reasons. One or many of the drivers involved could be suffering from fatigue, distracted driving, or drug and alcohol use. At Keys Law Offices, we are dedicated to representing victims of automobile accidents and their families. Our experienced team understands the intricate legal issues involved in car accident cases and knows how to investigate and litigate them to secure the compensation our clients deserve.
Please do not hesitate to contact us for a free consultation. Our staff is always available. Call us today!