Car accidents happen every single day in the United States. No one plans on getting involved in an accident, but it is a common enough occurrence that every driver should have a plan of action just in case. Here’s what you need to know if you ever find yourself in such a situation.
ALWAYS Stop At The Scene
It is absolutely essential that you stop at the scene of any car accident. Even if it is only a minor accident, you need to stop and speak to everyone involved to ensure that no one has been seriously injured. Each state has different laws regarding what kind of accidents need to be reported to law enforcement, but even if such a report isn’t warranted, you should still stop at the scene to make sure that everyone involved is ok.
Check Everyone Involved For Injuries
Even a relatively minor car accident can cause serious injury to those involved, especially if they are already vulnerable – such as elderly people. You don’t want to take any chances when it comes to other people’s health and well being or your own.
Remember that some injuries, such as concussions or internal bleeding, might not have any immediately obvious outward symptoms. If you think it is possible that someone involved in the accident might have one of these injuries, you should encourage them to seek medical attention as a precaution.
Document The Scene Thoroughly
This is especially important if you think that another driver was at fault and you plan on making a claim for compensation. Use your cell phone camera to document the immediate scene and its aftermath. A growing number of drivers are choosing to equip their cars with a dashcam in order to automatically record any incidents that do occur.
Even if you aren’t planning on pressing for a compensation claim, documenting the scene can still make things go a lot smoother with your insurer if you need to file an insurance claim, so it is always worth doing.
Consult With A Lawyer
If you are in a car accident that is caused by someone else’s negligence or malice, you might be able to file a claim for compensation. If you are successful, then the money that you are awarded can go a long way to helping you cover the costs of any medical bills and other expenses that you might incur as a result.
You want to find a lawyer who has experience with arguing car accident cases specifically, as this will maximize your chances of a successful claim. An experienced attorney will also be able to instantly tell you whether you have a case worth pursuing or not, potentially saving you a lot of money and heartache.
If you are involved in a car accident, it is only natural to feel stress and anxiety. However, it is vital that you keep your calm and follow the steps outlined above. Remember that your safety and the safety of everyone else involved is always paramount – don’t take unnecessary risks.
