5 Steps That You Should Take After a Car Accident

5 Steps That You Should Take After a Car Accident

Because accidents can always happen, regardless of how careful you as a driver are, here are a few pieces of advice that every car accident victim needs to know. Clearly, every situation is different and may require a different course of action, this information is here to help you make informed decisions and help you know what to do.

1st Things First

*Stay at The Scene – Stop your vehicle as soon and as safely as possible.
*Pullover for safety if possible. Keeping yourself in further harm’s way is not optimal.
*Turn off the car if possible. This will reduce the risk of fire.
*Review the situation. You are likely running on pure adrenaline. Try and focus and see the situation as clearly as possible.
*Check yourself and any passengers for injuries as soon as possible. Make notes if you are able to. Details can get foggy and forgotten with time passing.
*If you are injured, don’t move unless absolutely necessary. Immediate and imminent danger are the only reasons to move.
*Call or have someone call the police as soon as possible. Call 911 and let them know if anyone is injured, if traffic is blocked, or if you believe anyone may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

2nd on the Agenda

*Flip those hazard lights on if they are working properly. Try and make your vehicle visible with lights so others can easily identify you.
*Don’t stand in the middle of the road! Try and stay away from traffic and remove big items from the road if possible. Again, do not place yourself in further harm’s way for this.
*DO NOT SMOKE – Understandably if you are a smoker and find yourself in this situation, smoking may be the first thing on your mind. Please refrain as this can be incredibly dangerous especially if there is a fuel leak.
*Check for fluids and fuel leaks- if there is a leak and you are available to move away, please keep a safe distance until first responders are on the scene and able to assist in securing a safe situation.

3 is for Information

*Get as much information as you are able to.
*Drivers Name (Correct Spelling) & Address (Physical is preferable).
*All Insurance Policy Information available – Take pictures if possible.
*Phone Numbers, Primary and a backup phone number if available.
*Company name if any vehicles are commercial/company vehicles. ASK if you are unsure.
*Other passenger info, all passengers involved.
*Check surroundings. Is there anything in the road, wrong with the road or the area where the accident happened?
*Check for signs. Are they covered by brush, trees or other structures that could have obscured your view?
*Take pictures if available. Of the scene, the vehicles, the surroundings, injuries, the environment, etc. Any and all of that information is invaluable.
*NEVER ADMIT FAULT OR LIABILITY. Only answer with facts if asked and offer nothing else.

4 Is for The Not Sorry

*You may deal with difficult situations on top of an already stressful situation including Uninsured Motorists, Hit and Runs and people unwilling to cooperate. This is when you just try and get the most information possible, including photos of license plates, cars, and driver’s descriptions.

5 You, Your Health & Wellbeing

*Get medically checked out. Adrenaline is pumping and you may not be aware of the injuries you have sustained. It is ALWAYS good practice to get checked out to be on the safe side.
*Call your insurance carrier as soon as possible to report the accident.
*Get your personal things from the vehicle if possible and safely.
*Only tell the truth and provide fact-based information regarding the wreck when speaking to anyone.
*Seek and secure an experienced accident attorney. We are more than willing to meet with you for a free consultation to discuss your potential case. We can be reached at Larby & Associates at 918-796-5780

 

 

Posted Under: Automobile Accidents, Car Accident