Car accidents are stressful and often overwhelming. In the immediate aftermath, shock and adrenaline can make it difficult to think clearly. What you do during the first 24 hours that follow a collision may, however, affect your health and legal rights dynamically. These are the seven most significant steps to follow after being in an accident.
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Ensure Safety and Assess Immediate Danger
The safety of the people around you and your own safety should be your first priority. In case you can, inspect yourself and passengers and provide first aid where feasible. Call 911 in case anybody is severely injured.
In case the accident has taken place in a hazardous place, then pull vehicles to a safe area. However, only do so when it is safe to do so. Do not transfer seriously injured persons unless the situation demands it, i.e., fire or approaching traffic.
Exchange Information
After ensuring safety, gather essential information from the other driver(s). This includes:
- Names, addresses, and phone numbers of every party involved.
- Insurance company names and policy numbers.
- Vehicle makes, models, colors, and license plate numbers.
- Driver’s license numbers.
Make the discussion objective and speak about the blame and fault. White-collar crimes can be committed by way of statements that acknowledge responsibility, which can be later used against you in claims and legal proceedings in insurance. Get the details required to report the accident.
Document the Scene
Proper documentation is important in insurance claims as well as lawsuits. Provide photographs or videos of:
- Damage to all vehicles involved from multiple angles.
- The surrounding area, including traffic signs and signals.
- Road conditions, debris, or skid marks.
- Visible injuries.
Record the exact account of what has occurred, the time, date, and chronology. Request the assistance of passengers, bystanders, or witnesses to assist in documenting the scene in case you cannot do all that you should.
Gather contacts of all those who witnessed the accident. Detailed records retain evidence that can be otherwise challenged and can be used to prove culpability and buttress your arguments.
See the Doctor, Even When You Are Well
Some wounds cannot be well seen at first glance. During the hours/days after, you may develop a headache, feel dizzy or pain in your back or neck, or you may be emotionally traumatized. Thus, it is necessary to see a healthcare professional as early as possible since the latter will be in a more convenient situation to diagnose and treat injuries.
Legally and insurance-wise, early medical records can give a definite connection between the accident and your injuries. The postponed treatment can also cast doubts on the extent or the cause of your injuries and will diminish the claim to cover any medical costs and other damages.
Inform Your Insurance Company as Soon as Possible
Whether you are at fault or not, you are usually expected to report an accident to your insurance company. Present objective information of the incident, and do not conjecture who did the act. It is preferable to suppose that whatever you communicate (even phone calls) with your carrier is being recorded.
Claims can be handled successfully, and penalties and delays can be avoided altogether if they are notified promptly. Take careful notes on all of the communications you have with your insurance provider, including phone calls, emails, and letters. In order to demonstrate the proof of what was said and when it was communicated, detailed records are also required.
Nurture Evidence and Guard Your Rights on the Internet
Keep copies of all accident-related documents, including:
- Medical bills and treatment records. Incorporate all the bills and checks for therapies, operations, visits, and medications.
- Vehicle repair estimates and receipts. In case your vehicle was towed and /or repaired, ensure you have comprehensive receipts that you give to the insurance company.
- Correspondence with insurance companies or the other driver. It’s important to keep detailed logs of all communication with other parties and with any insurance carrier, even if you simply make notes on a piece of paper when you have a phone call.
Also, never share news of the accident on social media. Insurers or even defense attorneys can use even the comments or photos that seem harmless to challenge your claim. Be careful of all records and online activity in order to safeguard your legal rights.
Consider Consulting a Car Accident Lawyer
It may be very wise to talk to a personal injury lawyer right away. A lawyer can advise on:
- Preserving evidence effectively
- Communicating with insurance companies
- Understanding your potential claims for medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering
Representation is not something you have to commit to. Even a preliminary consultation can be helpful and can guide one on the right path and avoid errors that could influence recovery or compensation.
Moving Forward After the First 24 Hours
The premise of healing and a court of law is twenty-four hours on account of the vehicle accident. Some of the most important things that you can do to protect your health and even get compensation include checking that it is safe, going to the doctor, taking pictures, preserving evidence, and recording the scene.
The consequences of even such a small event in the long term can be enormous, including physical pain that can be permanent, psychological stress, or even costly insurance. Hiring the services of a personal injury lawyer will ensure that you will not violate your rights and will give you guidance on what is to be done in the upcoming days and weeks.
