What Should I Do When I Am in a Serious Car Accident?
Car accidents are shocking and traumatizing experiences that leave their victims shocked, confused, and frustrated. Even if you are obeying the traffic laws and driving as carefully as you can, there are many drivers on the road who might not be doing the same. While panic and shock might be some of the first emotions that arise in the wake of the accident, the best course of action is to try to stay as calm and collected as possible for the situation.
According to the knowledgeable car accident attorneys at Angel Reyes & Associates in Dallas, TX, there are several important steps that you can take immediately after the accident to ensure that your health and legal rights are protected. Remaining calm and taking all the right steps after getting involved in a car accident can make the upcoming legal process much easier to handle.
Staying at the Scene
One of the most important things to keep in mind is not to drive away from the scene of the accident. Regardless of whether the accident was your fault, you must stop at the scene. Driving away from the scene might be considered a hit-and-run, which is a punishable criminal offense.
Ensuring Safety
After stopping at the scene of the accident, check yourself and any passengers in your car for signs of injury and/or bleeding. In case you or your loved ones require medical assistance, do not hesitate to call the emergency services. While you are on call for medical assistance, you should also talk to the police to report the accident. Remember to keep a copy of the official police report just in case you are asked to provide proof down the line.
Getting to a Safe Spot
In any car crash, there is a risk of critical damage to your car that might lead to gas leakage and/or the risk of an explosion. If your physical condition and the condition of your car allow you to drive, you should park the car on the side of the road and away from the moving traffic. While your car is parked, it is advisable to turn the parking lights on and wait for the local law enforcement and emergency medical services to arrive at the scene of the accident.
Gathering Evidence
One of the most important steps to ensure the safety of your legal rights after an accident is to document the accident. If you have a smartphone, you can use its camera to film and photograph the accident, including the damage to your car, any physical injury, and the surroundings.
You should also interview the eyewitnesses for their account of the accident and keep the audio recordings for future proceedings. It is also advisable to also keep an audio recording or written note of your account of the accident.
Exchanging Information
After the accident, both drivers should exchange personal information such as telephone number, address, insurance info and more. While the amount and extent of the information to be exchanged might vary between different states, it is, nonetheless, an important task to perform after an accident.
Reporting the Accident
After receiving medical attention for your injuries, you should report the incident to your insurance provider as soon as possible. For filing a claim with your insurance provider, you might need a copy of the official police report of the accident.
Hiring a Lawyer
Arguably the most important thing you can do to safeguard your rights is to hire an experienced auto accident lawyer. A knowledgeable lawyer from a reputed law firm will help you remain organized throughout the lawsuit, help you make the right decisions, and assist in obtaining fair financial compensation for your physical and financial damages.
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