Involvement in an automobile accident can be a truly upending event in your life. If you find yourself involved in a car accident these are the trio of initial steps that out must take.
Tend to Injuries and the Injured
There certainly are legal issues associated with an automobile accident. However, in the immediate aftermath of such an incident the first step to take is to secure the scene as much as possible and tend to your injuries and other injured individuals.
911 needs to be contacted immediately if injuries occurred. Speaking of injuries, you need to understand that some may not immediately be apparent. For example, injuries associated with head trauma may not be evident directly after an accident. Thus, when it comes to seeking medical attention, you need to err on the side of caution and get checked out by a doctor even if you think you’ve been injured.
The only possible exception to this is if the accident was so minor that any type of injury would be all but unconceivable. With that said, even a proverbial fender can cause injuries not immediately recognized, including whiplash.
Contact the Police
Even if you perceive your accident as being minor, you need to contact the police. Depending on where an accident occurs, law enforcement may not come to the scene itself if the incident truly is deemed minor. However, if that is the case, you will still be able to make a report through the police or sheriff departments online portal.
Automobile insurance policies often require a person filing a claim to make a police report. If no police report is filed, an insurance company may have the ability to deny the claim.
Document the Accident Scene
The third step you need to take if you’re in a car accident is to document the accident scene. Exchange crucial information with the other party or parties to the accident. This includes comprehensive contact and insurance information.
As your injuries and the circumstances permit, you also need to document the accident scene as much as possible. Documenting the scene includes making a video of it or taking photographs. A video or photos should include views of the entire scene from different angles and closer images of actual damage caused by the accident. You also need to take images of injuries you sustained, if possible.
If possible, reach out to witnesses at the scene. Obtain comprehensive contact information from them. If they are willing, get statements from them as well. Some witnesses may be at ease allowing you to video statements.
Your Finances After an Automobile Accident
Depending on the nature of a car accident and the extent of injuries sustained you may find yourself facing financial issues. You may not be able to return to work immediately. You may have medical and other costs not immediately covered by insurance. If you do face financial emergencies after a car crash, you should research ways to obtain funding for emergency relief.
If you find yourself faced with unexpected bills after the accident, you may want to consider the types of payday loans direct lenders can provide during an unexpected and short-term financial crisis. It is important that you are able to address any urgent medical and physical needs following the accident, even if you don’t have the funds in your savings account to cover it.
Protecting Your Legal Rights after a Car Accident
Speaking of proactivity following a car accident, you need to consider seriously engaging the services of a qualified, experienced, reputable personal injury attorney. You should be cautious about making a statement to an insurance company until you retain legal counsel. Provided you file a claim in a timely manner, you have the right to hold off making a statement to an insurance company until you’ve had the chance to consult with a car accident lawyer. A typical car accident attorney charges no fee for an initial consultation with a prospective client.
Moreover, a personal injury lawyer usually uses a contingency fee agreement with a client. With this type of contract, a client pays no fees unless an attorney obtains a favorable settlement or judgment in a car accident case.
By ensuring that you follow through on the three steps outlined a moment ago following an accident you place yourself in the best possible position personally and legally. You put yourself on a pathway to comprehensive recovery from an automobile accident.
