The Auto Accident Checklist: What To Do When You’ve Been in an Accident

Accidents are unforeseen and often chaotic, making it challenging to remember crucial steps in the heat of the moment. As a law firm with years of experience in car accident cases, Andrews & Crell understands the importance of knowing what to do following a car accident. This guide is designed to help you navigate through this stressful situation, ensuring your safety and protecting your legal rights.

What to do immediately after an accident

Your immediate response after an accident can have significant implications on your physical well-being and your legal case. First and foremost, check if you or anyone else involved in the accident is injured. If so, call 911 immediately. Even if no one appears to be hurt, it’s still important to call the police to report the incident.

Move to a safe location away from traffic if possible. However, do not leave the scene of the accident until it’s appropriate to do so. Leaving the scene prematurely could result in hit-and-run charges, especially if someone has sustained injuries or there’s significant property damage.

The Importance of Seeking Medical Attention

Seeking immediate medical attention after a car accident is crucial for multiple reasons. Primarily, it is necessary to identify and treat any potential injuries, some of which might not manifest immediately or might be internal. Furthermore, medical records serve as vital pieces of evidence when pursuing a car accident claim. They provide documented proof of the injuries sustained and their relation to the accident. This correlation is significant in establishing causation – a critical component in any personal injury claim. Delaying or neglecting to seek medical care might give the opposing insurance company grounds to assert that the injuries were not severe or were not caused by the accident, potentially jeopardizing your claim.

Gathering information about the accident

Document as much as you can about the accident. This includes the make, model, and license plate numbers of all vehicles involved, the location of the accident, the time and date, and the weather conditions at the time. Photos or videos of the accident scene can also be incredibly helpful for your case.

If there were any witnesses to the accident, try to get their contact information. Their testimonies could be crucial in establishing who was at fault for the accident.

Notifying your insurance company

In the unfortunate event of an accident, it is crucial to contact your insurance company promptly to report the incident. Make sure to provide them with all the necessary details you have gathered, including the date, time, and location of the accident, as well as any relevant information about the parties involved. Taking these necessary steps will help ensure a smooth claims process and protect your interests in the long run.

Contacting An Attorney

Finally, consider contacting an attorney, especially if there are disputes about who was at fault or if you’ve been injured in the accident. At Andrews & Crell, we have years of experience in handling car accident cases and can guide you through the intricate legal process, advocating for your rights every step of the way.

While we hope you never have to use this checklist, being prepared can make a significant difference in the aftermath of an accident. Stay safe on the roads, and remember, Andrews & Crell is here for you should you need our reliable legal guidance.