Each year in the US there are around six million car accidents in which three million people are injured.
Unfortunately, car accidents are inevitable. It doesn’t matter whether it’s the fault of the driver, a pedestrian, or the weather, they happen. So, it’s important to be prepared and know what to do should you ever be involved in a car accident.
By being prepared, you can take all the necessary steps to keep yourself safe, and, potentially claim compensation.
So, read on and we’ll tell you all there is to know about what to do after a vehicle accident.
Check for Injuries and Call the Emergency Services
The first thing you must do after a car crash is to make sure you and everyone involved are ok.
Take your time and check your body for injuries. If you feel pain, then try not to move in case you have broken bones. If you are bleeding, then try to stop it by using bandages or clothes and pressing firmly on the cut.
You should then check the health of your passengers and everyone else involved.
Then, call 911 and ask for an ambulance and the police. Make sure to keep on the phone with the operator until help arrives.
It’s worth remembering that you should always call the police in the event of an accident.
Gather Evidence and Collect Witness Statements
If everyone is ok after the crash, then you need to focus on collecting evidence.
But remember, it’s important that you do not take responsibility for the accident. If you do, then you may not be able to claim compensation and any evidence could be irrelevant.
So first, take pictures of the scene of the crash. If you can, keep your vehicle where it is. This helps to build a picture of what happened and can support you in your case.
Next, collect statements from witnesses. Ask for their name, address, and telephone number as they may be called upon later.
After that, try to obtain any dashcam footage or CCTV. Video evidence can settle cases very quickly and is one of the best pieces of evidence.
Finally, swap details with the other driver(s) and be sure to collect the following:
- Name
- Address
- Telephone number
- Insurance information
Get in Touch With an Experienced Lawyer
Handling insurance claims and seeking compensation can be overwhelming after a car accident. So, we advise you to contact an experienced lawyer right away.
Not only can they help with insurance claims but they can help with compensation. Even if you were not initially hurt, injuries can take time to become apparent.
So, it’s important to have someone in your corner who can handle the legal side of things, and, who knows the process.
The Most Important Things to Do After a Vehicle Accident
We hope this guide on what to do after a vehicle accident has been useful to you.
As you can see, there are several important and necessary steps you should always take after a car crash. By following these, you can ensure you’re safe and in a position to claim compensation.
Finally, check out our blog for other legal advice.
