A severe car accident can be a traumatic experience for you that can leave you shaken and unsure of what to do next. When you have been in such an incident, the first thing you will need to do is stay calm and take immediate action to ensure your safety and protect your legal rights.
To help you go easily through this challenging situation, we are going to list down some things you can do after getting into a severe car accident. Keep reading to find out.
1. Prioritize Your Safety
The safety of yourself and others involved in the accident should be your top priority. If you’re able to do so safely, move your vehicle to the side of the road to prevent further collisions and accidents. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
Check yourself and your passengers for injuries, and if anyone is hurt, call emergency services immediately. Even if injuries seem minor, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
Avoid moving injured individuals unless they are in immediate danger, as this could worsen their condition.
2. Contact Law Enforcement
After ensuring everyone’s safety, contact the police to report the accident. Even if the accident seems minor, having an official police report can be invaluable for insurance claims and legal proceedings. When the police arrive, provide them with accurate and detailed information about the accident.
This will include the location, description of vehicles involved, and any injuries sustained. Cooperate fully with law enforcement officers and avoid admitting fault or placing blame on others. Stick to the facts and let the police conduct their investigation.
What you need to do after this is be sure to obtain a copy of the police report for your records, as it will contain information about the accident that may be needed later.
3. Get Legal Advice
Depending on the severity of the accident and the extent of your injuries, you may need to seek legal advice from a qualified car accident lawyer. An experienced attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options, negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, and pursue compensation for medical expenses and other damages.
If you are in a critical condition after the accident and are admitted in an emergency, it is also advised to contact a will attorney and get your will sorted out. The attorney will help you define your heirs to the property so there are no clashes in your family.
4. Inform Your Insurance Company
Promptly notify your insurance company of the accident and provide them with all relevant information and documentation. The best thing is to have the attorney handle all that, but be sure to be honest when reporting the accident.
However, avoid admitting fault or making any statements that could be used against you later. Your insurance company will guide you through the claims process and help you understand your coverage and rights.
