When you get into your car and set off out on the road, you don’t expect to be involved in a car accident. While these things do happen, it always feels like something other people are involved in, not you. However, traffic collisions can happen anywhere and at any time, even if you are a sensible and safe driver. A car accident can be shocking and, in some cases, traumatizing. It is important to know the key steps you will need to take after a car accident, as this will better prepare you for the aftermath and help you on the road to recovery.
1. Check for Injuries and Get Away from the Vehicle
Even if it is a minor collision, you can still come away with painful injuries and damage to your vehicle. One of the first things you should do when you’ve been in a car accident is to check for injuries if you are still conscious and can move. If getting out of the car is possible, do so and step away from the vehicle. Then proceed to check on the welfare of the drivers and passengers in the other vehicles involved.
2. Call the Emergency Services/Roadside Assistance
Once you know the extent of people’s injuries, if any, the next step is to call the emergency services. If you require an ambulance, request one, but notifying the police of the incident is important as they might have to come and help clear the road and conduct other traffic for safety. The fire department might also need to be called if someone needs to be cut out of a vehicle or if a car has caught on fire. If the collision isn’t significant enough for the emergency services to attend, but your car is damaged, and you’re unable to drive it, you will need to call roadside assistance. If your car is in a safe position and condition to sit in, you can do, but otherwise, stay out of the car until they arrive.
3. Exchange Insurance Information
You must exchange your insurance information with the other drivers involved in the accident at the scene. You might want to take photographic evidence to help your claim as well. If the driver gives you false insurance information or drives away from the scene, you need to report them to the police, and getting a license plate number, if possible, can help you with this. Suppose you require legal assistance after your accident and you become involved in a personal injury lawsuit or would like to file one yourself. In that case, you’ll also need a qualified attorney like this Connecticut car accident lawyer.
4. Go to the Doctor
If you haven’t required emergency medical attention at the scene, it’s still a good idea to go and get a physical exam at the doctor later in the day or week to make sure you’re OK. When it comes to car accidents, injuries don’t always become apparent until a day or two after the event, and you might need physical therapy or pain relief medication.
If you are involved in a car accident, remember these key steps in the aftermath to make sure it is handled properly.
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