6 Things You Should Do After a Car Accident
Being involved in an automobile accident can be a stressful and confusing experience. Numerous steps must be taken, including calling the police, gathering proof, and hiring Louisiana lawyers.
Nobody wants to find themselves in this uncomfortable situation. However, being ready and aware of what to do in the event of an accident can save lives, minimize injuries, and make the claims process much smoother. If you or someone you know is involved in a vehicular accident, use the following tips below to stay safe and manage the situation.
- Don’t Leave the Scene
If you were involved in a car crash, you must stay at the scene even if the injuries you sustained were minor. Fleeing the incident can lead to criminal charges like a hit-and-run. The vehicles involved in the collision must remain where they are unless they are impeding the traffic.
It is best to exchange information with other drivers and everyone else at the scene during this time. Take note of the details such as name, address, and telephone number of drivers and passengers alike. Doing so ensures that everyone involved in the incident can be contacted if necessary.
- Call the Police
Calling the police and getting an official report is crucial, even if the incident didn’t result in severe injuries. Failing to do so might jeopardize your ability to bring a claim later.
Once the police arrive, they will secure the scene, assess the severity of the damage, and evaluate the situation of all parties involved. They will also be in charge of facilitating traffic and removing wrecked vehicles from the road.
- Gather Evidence
If you have a mobile phone or your vehicle has a camera, you should use them to take pictures or videos of the accident scene. Take a photo of relevant details like the make, model, color, and license plate number of the vehicles involved.
Furthermore, look around to see if there are any surveillance cameras nearby. Note their location and find out whom to contact to get a copy of the incident’s footage. Also, see if any witnesses, such as pedestrians or people in other cars, are willing to tell you what they saw. These are fantastic pieces of evidence that can back up your account of the events leading up to the accident.
- Seek Medical Attention
It’s not uncommon for adrenaline to mask your pain after sustaining a physical injury. Even from a minor crash, it’s possible to incur severe head trauma or spinal injuries without knowing. Therefore, it is essential to have immediate medical attention from your primary physician or an emergency room facility so your condition can be diagnosed and treated before your injuries worsen.
- Notify your Car Insurance Company
If you’re involved in a car accident, you must notify your car insurance company as soon as possible. While it may be tempting to negotiate a private settlement and avoid making an insurance claim, not informing your insurance company may compromise your coverage and even subject you to liability.
If you call an insurance agent, they can give you special instructions on what data or documents you need to gather to speed up and efficiently handle your claim. They will also ask you specific questions regarding the accident. Be sure to answer them accurately and provide them with sufficient evidence.
- Call Your Attorney
Attorneys are a great resource during car accidents. They can provide professional consultation and advise you on how to proceed. Lawyers will help you with everything from receiving the best medical care possible to getting reimbursed for your car.
After your auto accident, you may be asked to provide an eyewitness statement to the insurance company. Before saying or signing anything, you should obtain legal counsel. Consult a lawyer who specializes in auto accidents and their legalities. Without legal representation, you won’t be able to make informed decisions about your case.
Get Help From The Experts!
If you plan ahead and figure out what steps to take, you may feel more prepared for the possibility of getting into an auto accident. It may also help to know that you can count on Louisiana lawyers in times like this. They can guide you throughout the process and obtain the compensation you deserve.