The average individual spends a significant portion of each day in a vehicle, either as the driver or a passenger, putting them at increased risk of being in an accident. Every year, almost 25 million people suffer some form of injury or disability due to an accident. In Colorado alone, more than 100,000 motor vehicle accidents occur each year. Therefore, if you ever encounter an accident, you need to act fast and smart to ensure your safety.
Here are eight such things you should do after being in an accident.
Call The Police
Call the police immediately, even if the accident seems minor. The police can help document what happened and create an official accident record. The record can be helpful if you need to file an insurance claim or take legal action. Involving the police also helps control the accident scene and ensures everyone’s safety. The police can also inform you about what you should do next.
Contact a Lawyer
After an accident, especially if it is a severe one, one of your first course of action should be to contact a lawyer. Hiring a lawyer will help if you want to file a personal injury claim and wish to consider suing the other party for damages. Many law firms specialize in accident-related cases, and you should find one in your area.
For example, as mentioned above, Colorado faces thousands of accidents yearly. Therefore, it has many reputable law firms that know their way of handling accident-related cases, whether a motorcycle crash or car accident. So, if you live in Colorado, Rider Justice in Denver is a motorcycle crash law firm you could opt for to handle your case.
Protect Others
Accidents can be very severe and may cause further harm to others if you do not take proper measures. While you can’t do much, one thing you can do is to move your car out of the way of traffic and towards the side. It will help protect other people from being involved in an accident. Another thing you should do is turn on your blinkers. By doing this, you will warn other drivers of your presence and hopefully prevent any further accidents from happening.
Take Pictures of the Crash
It is essential to take photos of the accident so that it gathers enough evidence when you pursue legal action later. If you have a camera or smartphone on you, try to take pictures of the accident scene to showcase any damage caused to your vehicle. You can also take pictures of your injuries if any.
It can be helpful later in proving who was at fault for the accident or what kind of damage was caused. Not only is this important for filing your case, but it will also serve as documentation if either party wants to file a claim with their insurance company.
Collect Information about Everyone Involved
The information includes the other driver’s name, address, insurance, and contact information. You will also want to get the name and badge number of any police officers who responded to the accident scene. Having the names and contact information of any witnesses to the accident is also essential. They can provide their testimony if there are any disputes about what happened. This information will be helpful if you need to file a police report, insurance claim, or legal claim. Exchanging information with the other party will also be helpful in case you can get compensation for damages or injuries.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
If you’ve been in an accident, one of the first things you should do is seek medical attention. You need to ensure that you are physically okay and don’t have any severe injuries. Your health should be your number one priority after an accident. Of course, not all injuries are immediately apparent after an accident. If you don’t notice any bruises or cuts, still get checked by the doctor to make sure you don’t have internal bleeding or concussion.
Acquiring medical attention will also create a record of your injuries. It can be helpful if you need to file a personal injury claim later on. Be sure to keep track of how you are feeling and monitor any changes in your health so that you can report them to your doctor.
Claim Insurance
After an accident, it is crucial to claim insurance. You should notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. They will need to know all the details to process and file any claims. You should provide them with all your gathered documentation, such as photos, police reports, and witness information. Once you claim the insurance, it will help you pay for any medical bills or damages that may have occurred. If you do not have your motor vehicle insured, you may be responsible for paying out of pocket, which can be very expensive.
Consider Professional Help
Being involved in an accident can be a very traumatic experience for some people. So if you are feeling symptoms of PTSD or have any other anxieties, get professional help from a therapist.
For example, some people become scared of driving again after an accident. Reaching out to a professional can help you manage these fears and make you overcome any triggers you may face after the accident. Even if you think you do not need help, it is better if you speak to someone to help you heal faster.
Final Thoughts
Getting into an accident can lead to severe problems if not dealt with properly. It would help if you started by contacting the police to file an official report, gather comprehensive documents about the accident and the other party for legal action, and seek medical attention no matter the accident’s severity. By doing the above things, you can ensure that you have adequately dealt with the after-effects of the accident and can now focus on your recovery.