Even minor car accidents can be upsetting and confuse what to do next. Yet, there are around 1.7 million rear-end crashes each year. Fatal car accidents are thankfully less common. Nevertheless, there are 42,514 fatalities each year.
Ryan Zavodnick, an experienced car accident lawyer in Philadelphia, shares this checklist of steps you should take after an auto accident to ensure your safety and protect your legal rights.
Assess the Car Accident and Call for Help
The priority is to ensure that you and your passengers are uninjured. If anyone needs medical attention, call 911 immediately. If the vehicles are moveable and not blocking traffic, pull over to the shoulder and turn on your hazard lights. This will get you out of harm’s way.
If the car accident caused injuries or vehicle damage that could impede traffic, call the police. In some states, the law requires car accident reporting. Exchanging information is more accessible when law enforcement is present to oversee the process.
Document the Car Accident Scene
Use your smartphone to take photos of the vehicles involved, the damage caused, skid marks on the roadway, street signs or landmarks, and the overall scene. If possible, include the license plates in the pictures. Take wide shots to establish the scene, then get closer for detailed damage. This creates a visual record of what happened.
After the Car Accident, Exchange Information With The Other Driver
Please collect the following from the other driver(s), including their name and address. Also, make a note of their license plate.
Also, share your contact and insurance details with the other driver(s). Get witness names and phone numbers if you need statements later.
File a Police Car Accident Report
Even for minor car accidents, having an official report is helpful for insurance claims. Provide the officers with:
- Your license, registration, and insurance card
- An objective account of what occurred
- Any evidence, like photos of the scene
If the officers don’t file a report, go to the police station within 24 hours and submit one yourself.
Seek Medical Attention After the Car Accident
More than 3 million people suffer whiplash after a car accident, but injuries like this don’t always cause issues right away. See a doctor as a precaution. Traumatic Brain injuries are also a risk, with 214,110 people hospitalized in 2020. Describe all physical symptoms you experience, even delayed ones. Your medical records will help verify injury claims later.
Notify Your Insurance Company About The Car Accident
Alert your insurer about the car accident as soon as you can. Provide details about damage to your car and any injuries. Ask about your coverage and the claims process. Follow procedures promptly and contact the adjuster overseeing your case. This helps get repairs or compensation taken care of quickly.
Consult a Car Accident Attorney
Contact a car accident attorney for car crashes involving injuries or property damage. They can handle insurance negotiations and protect your legal rights. Lawsuits after a car accident are complex. Having expert legal advice is essential.
Staying calm and following these steps will help make the aftermath of a car accident less stressful. Being prepared with the proper knowledge and documentation can streamline recovery time and claims processing. Most importantly, focusing on safety first gives you peace of mind.
