Steps You Should Take After A Car Accident

A car accident can completely change the trajectory of your life a well as your finances.  One simple misstep in the aftermath can keep you from receiving any compensation you may be entitled to.  In a world where you can watch a video and get an answer in seconds, it is hard to imagine that there is still so much confusion about handling being in an accident.

An accident is something no one ever wants to encounter. The experienced drivers on the road are well aware of this possibility and will take precautions to minimize the risk of an accident. They don’t always understand when someone else on the road is also at fault, and that’s where things can get complicated.

Here are some tips for what you can do in an accident situation, which will help you if you’ve been involved in a car accident or are just worried about yourself or someone else being in car trouble.

Accidents happen, and people should be prepared for them.

Steps You Should Take After A Car Accident

If you are ever in a car accident, it is critical to document everything from that moment.  But what else should you do or not do?

Call The Police

No matter how small or insignificant you think, the accident is, please do not leave the police out of it.  Get them involved immediately.  If the accident is small, they may only come out and take copies of insurance cards and registrations, but they will create a case number.  That case number is vital to your potential for compensation.

When you call the police, you establish a record of the incident with both parties’ interpretation of the incident.  This record may serve to protect your claim afterward.

Don’t Drive Away

If you exchange numbers and insurance cards, then leave, you risk the other party saying you participated in a hit and run.  Do not drive off from the scene before the police department arrives.  You will need all the documentation you can get.

Stay near your vehicle, do not even walk away unless there is a safety concern with the location.  Please do not leave until authorities say it is okay to do so.

Gather Evidence

Your immediate concern should be to gather as much evidence as you can.  Please do not rely on the police department to do it all for you.  Take photos of the scene from as many different angles as you can think of.  Identify any witnesses to the event.  If the video will help, be sure to shoot it.  Nowadays, we all have smartphones, and those photos and videos could be priceless to support your position.

The police will do a report, but you are more invested in the documentation than they are.  Consider their documentation as a supplement to yours.

Get Medical Attention

Yes, your vehicle is damaged, but what about your body?  You may feel fine at that instant due to adrenalin, but once the events calm down and you begin to reflect, your body may tell you otherwise.  You may not notice that neck pain immediately.  But over the next couple weeks, the pain can get worse.  You want that initial medical documentation.

Don’t Wait

Depending upon the state you are located in or the accident occurs in, there may be a statute of limitations that must be adhered to.  The last thing you want is to wait too long before filing anything you need to for compensation.

Seek Legal Advice

After an accident, it’s important to get the help of a personal injury attorney in Plant City.  They specialize in servicing victims such as you.  They can answer any questions you have and keep you on task throughout the process.