Once you’re on the road, you’re putting yourself at risk of any of the road hazards. There’s no hundred percent guarantee of safety on public highways. Accidents can happen at any time, even when you’re the most vigilant of all drivers.
If you’re involved in an auto accident, it’s inevitable to be confused about what to do next. Your emotions may get the best of you, and this can lead you to a state of panic and daze. But, while these are expected reactions of an accident, it’s not going to do you any good. You can’t control an accident, but you can make the results more pleasant once you’re able to handle the aftermath more efficiently.
That said, here are some important steps you’ve got to undertake following your car accident:
- Notify The Right People
Apart from calling the medics, other very important people also need to be notified. You have to inform the police, the insurance provider, and a car accident attorney. A car accident attorney Detroit can assist you throughout the proceedings and handle the case, thus, alleviating some of the pressure and stress off your shoulders.
For instance, when you’re taken in for questioning in a police station, if there’s anything that you think is too pressing or vague, you can ask for and wait to have a lawyer by your side before making any statement. Otherwise, these could be placed on record and taken against you. You wouldn’t want any statement to affect your claims.
The police record here is very important, as this will form the basis of all the legal claims that will come after your accident. This would include the insurance claims and even your case in court. In instances where the complainant or defendant is very difficult to deal with, unfortunately, your accident claims may reach the court.
- Check Yourself For Injuries
Immediately right after the accident, remember that life is always above anything else. This means that before you concern yourself with the technicalities and legalities of your accident, secure your safety first. Start by checking yourself for injuries.
Even if there are no immediately apparent injuries, it’s best to call 911 immediately. It’s only through the expertise of medical professionals that the accurate extent of all your injuries can be determined.
Some of the most common injuries that can happen from a car accident are:
- Whiplash
- Head injuries
- Broken bones
- Herniated disk
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Gather The Necessary Information
If the accident wasn’t your fault, then it’s the responsibility of the other party to contact their insurance company. However, this doesn’t mean that you can just sit around and wait for the claims. You also have to take your part in talking with the insurance company, to ensure that all of the information and evidence presented are correct.
That’s why it’s very important to gather all the necessary information surrounding the accident right there and then. These include:
- Statements and contact information of any witnesses
- Other driver’s name, address, and contact details
- Pictures from the scene of the accident
- Check The Well-Being Of Other Passengers
While you may want to think only of yourself, life is always above any property damage. So, it’s also very important for you to check the well-being of the other passengers. If there’s anyone who needs help in getting out of the vehicle, then it’s better to call emergency services immediately.
In unfortunate situations, the accident may have also caused damage to third parties or bystanders. Give the same attention to the safety of these victims.
You can think of all property and car damages later on once everyone in the accident scene is safe and attended to in the hospital.
- Move To A Safer Area
If all the vehicles involved in the accident are still operational, you must move them to a safer area. But, do this only after the police have recorded crucial information and written the necessary report right after the scene of the accident. Ensure that you’ve also taken photos of the situation before moving any vehicle.
Pulling over to the side can help protect other motorists on the highway who aren’t yet aware of this traffic disruption. Apart from protecting the safety of others, this can also help improve traffic flow right away when no vehicles are obstructing it.
Conclusion
With these tips, you can now ensure your safety and protection, including those that surround you, after an unfortunate occurrence. Even the most careful people cannot avoid accidents. Road hazards are present everywhere. In times of car accidents, it’s always better to keep calm and collected. While it can be difficult to act calmly during these situations, a relaxed mind can help you react logically and go through the correct steps without problems.
