Steps to Take After a Car Accident: Protect Yourself, Your Passengers, and Your Rights
After you’ve had a car accident, you may be upset, injured and wondering about your next steps. However, there are a few actions that you can take in order to help protect yourself, your passengers and your rights.
Stay On Site: After you’ve been in an automobile accident, stop your vehicle and remain at the scene of the accident. Make sure that you do not leave until it is clear to do so. If the accident has taken place at night, you can set up flashers or flares to warn other drivers to steer clear. Learn more about the steps to take immediately after a car wreck to ensure you’re following best practices at the scene.
Check On The Others Involved: If you can comfortably walk and move, check on other passengers and drivers to assess their medical condition. It’s important to secure medical attention for those who need it. People experiencing neck and back pain should not be moved until medical personnel arrive. If you’re unsure how to properly document the accident and medical conditions, take a look at how to properly document a car crash for further guidance.
Call the Police: Even if no one is seriously injured, calling the police can be a good idea to establish a record of the crash. The police report can be essential when filing an insurance claim. When there is a serious injury, major property damage, or a fatality, the police must be involved. It’s best to try and keep the vehicles where they are until the police arrive. For more information on what to do after a car accident, visit our detailed guide.
Gather Information: In addition to the police report, make your own record of the accident. Collect the names, phone numbers, insurance information, and driver’s license numbers for all drivers involved, as well as contact details for passengers. Take photographs of the scene, not just of the vehicle damage. Avoid making any statements or apologies that could be misconstrued later. Learn how documentation is key to a successful car accident personal injury case and can protect your rights.
Contact Your Insurer: After you have been in a crash, call your car insurance company to let them know. Keep in contact with the insurer, including obtaining a valuation for property damage.
Get Medical Care: If you’ve been injured, you should receive treatment immediately at a hospital or clinic. It is important not to wait and to protect your health and mobility. Even if you do not immediately feel pain after a crash, it is important to visit a doctor for an examination, as some injuries can appear later. Keep all of your medical documentation on hand for reference.
Get an Attorney: If you’ve been in a car accident, you must protect your rights. Insurance companies will do everything they can to deny your claim or pay you as little as possible. Contact the Las Vegas personal injury attorney, who can help you to avoid unjust, low-ball early settlements from insurance companies and to recover the maximum amount for your damages. Your lawyer can provide advice and representation to help you receive the compensation you deserve.
If you’ve been in an accident, contact the Schnitzer Law Firm. We’ll help to fight for you. Contact us at 702-960-4050 or use our simple online form to set up a free consultation with no obligation.