Driving can help us reach our destination safely and efficiently. But being involved in a car accident can leave us shaken up and uncertain of what to do next, especially if we sustain an injury.
If you’ve been in a car accident, these are some steps on what you should do to ensure your safety and protect your rights after suffering an injury.
Check for Injuries and Seek Medical Attention
The first thing you should do after a car accident is to check yourself and your passengers for injuries. Even if you don’t think you’re injured, it’s essential to get checked out by a medical professional as soon as possible. Some injuries, such as whiplash, may not be immediately apparent.
Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately if anyone is injured. Do not try to move an injured person unless they are in immediate danger of further injury. If you must move them, do so carefully. If the accident is minor and everyone can safely move out of the way of traffic, do so. But don’t move your car to a spot that blocks traffic or could cause further accidents.
Exchange Information With the Other Driver
Once you’ve ensured everyone is okay, you should exchange information between you and the other driver. You will need their:
- Full name
- Contact information
- Insurance information
- Driver’s license number
- Make, model, and license plate number of their car
On the off chance that the other driver refuses to give you this information or drives away before getting their information, try to get as much of their information as possible. Getting the license plate number is especially important. You may also want to take pictures of the other driver’s car.
Notify the Police
In most states, you must file a police report after an accident, especially if anyone is injured. The police will create an official report of the accident, which can be helpful when filing an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
If the police don’t come to the accident scene, you should go to the nearest police station to file a report.
Get An Attorney If Needed
Consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney may be best if you sustain an injury in an accident. An attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options, and they can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.
Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, so you won’t have to pay anything upfront for their services. Instead, the attorney will take a percentage of your settlement or court award if you receive one. You can also apply for litigation funding to cover the costs of your case so that you don’t have to pay anything out of pocket.
If you’ve been in a car accident, these are some steps you should take to ensure your safety and protect your rights. Not only will these steps help you in the immediate aftermath of the accident, but they will also be helpful if you need to file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
