If you’re involved in a car accident, it’s normal to experience stress and anxiety. However, it’s in your best interest to remain as calm as possible. After taking a few deep breaths, go through the following steps to resolve the situation:
1. Call The Police.
If you’re at the scene of a car accident, the first step to take is to call the police (if no one has done so already). Even for crashes that don’t involve severe injuries, you’ll need the police report for your insurance claim.
2. Create a Record of the Crash.
When you’re speaking with the police officers at the scene of the accident, make sure to relay an accurate record. Make sure not to guess or speculate – if the officer asks you a question that you don’t know the answer to, simply say so.
Additionally, if the officer asks you about your injuries, keep in mind that the symptoms of car accident injuries often don’t arise until hours (or even days) after the crash. You can always say that you’re not sure whether or not you’re injured.
If your car is visibly damaged and/or if you have visible injuries, take photos of them at the scene for your record. But, if you can’t take photos at the scene, make sure to take them ASAP afterward. These photos will be helpful when it comes time to file an insurance claim.
3. Exchange Information With The Other Driver.
Unless a police officer gathers this information, you should get the name, addresses, and phone numbers of all drivers, passengers, and witnesses involved in the crash. You should also ask for the insurance information from each driver, and note down the police report number (if there is one).
After completing these steps at the scene of the crash, you can seek out medical care and promptly report the crash to your auto insurance company. To ensure that you receive the maximum compensation for your losses in an accident, talk to an auto accident attorney, like one of the skilled professionals at Weldon & Rothman, PL. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!