There are around 6 million car accidents in America every year. But do you know what you’d do straight after a car accident?
The car crash aftermath can be incredibly stressful, and you have a lot to think about. From injury to car repairs to legal trouble, it’s best to be prepared.
So whether you’re preparing for if you have an accident or you’ve just had one, it’s time to learn these four steps that’ll ensure you get the best outcome from an accident.
Read on for your step-by-step guide.
1. Ensure Immediate Safety
The first thing to do after a car crash is to ensure everyone’s safety. Those that aren’t injured should exit the car and get a safe distance away.
If anyone is injured, be aware that they could have spinal cord injuries and you should avoid moving them. Instead, call the emergency services and ask for advice on what to do next.
2. Contact a Lawyer
Many people think that contacting a lawyer should be the last step, but this isn’t correct. As soon as you’ve ensured immediate safety, you should be on the phone with a lawyer.
Lawyers will be able to give you invaluable on-the-spot advice about what to do next. The reason many auto accident claims fall through is due to insufficient evidence, so a lawyer will be able to guide you through the process and tell you what to do.
However, be aware that some lawyers only take personal claims, so make sure to make it clear if you’re in a commercial vehicle.
3. Gather Evidence
On the advice of your lawyer, this will be the next stage. The emergency services will also help out collecting evidence.
You should take as many pictures as you can of the crime scene. This includes photos of injuries, marks on the road, and damage to cars or surroundings.
Evidence will be invaluable if you decide to pursue compensation.
4. See A Doctor
Finally, after a car crash, you should always see a doctor – even if you don’t think you’ve sustained severe injuries.
Some injuries don’t become apparent until a few days after a car accident, so you should see a doctor to rule things out. They’ll check for internal injuries and assess your risk of whiplash.
Make sure to get a doctor’s report to show any injury you sustained due to the crash; this will be vital for determining how much compensation you’re owed.
Been In A Car Accident? Follow These Steps Now
That’s your step-by-step guide on what to do after a car accident. If you follow these four steps, in that order, you’ll have the best chance at a full recovery and compensation if it’s owed.
Don’t panic if you’re in a car accident; between the emergency services, doctors, and lawyers, everyone will work to ensure you’re okay!
Did you find this article helpful? If so, make sure to check out our other posts for more useful legal tips.
