What to Do After a Car Accident: Essential Steps for Legal and Medical Guidance

Car accidents can happen in a split second without notice. When involved in an accident, the first thing one must do is to stay calm, no matter how frightening the situation is. You may get confused about how to proceed with the car accident claim.

An experienced New York Car Accident Lawyer may guide you in the right direction on how to proceed with the case after you get injured due to someone else’s mistake.

The steps to take following the accident are crucial to all parties involved by saving lives and reducing the risk of injury.

Check for Injuries

Immediately after a car accident, you must check yourself and your party for any injuries. Assess the situation at hand and ensure both parties are all right. You may not feel any pain at the time of impact, but residual pains may come thereafter and may appear days after.

Some symptoms following an accident may include:

• Dizziness
• Pain or numbness
• Discomfort
• Whiplash

If you feel any discomfort, make sure to first seek medical attention by calling the proper authorities.

Move to A Safer Location

If you are obstructing a road or intersection and you are able to move your vehicle, move the car away from traffic.  If the vehicle cannot function, leave it where it is and transfer to a safe location.  Do not leave the scene of the accident.

Call 911 and Wait for Assistance

Whether the accident is a fender-bender or major collision, it is in the best interest to call 911.  Having the police file an accident report at the scene will assist the insurance companies by giving a better overview of what took place if a claim needs to be filed.  If there are any specific instructions given by the police, be sure to follow them while waiting for assistance to arrive.

Gathering Detailed Information

Upon exchanging information with the other party, be courteous but do not admit fault to the accident.  Document the accident by doing each of the following:

• Take the name(s) of all drivers and parties involved in the accident
• Insurance information, policy, the agent’s name and phone number (if possible)
• Gather the VIN number of the vehicle, the make and model, and color
• Take detailed photographs of the accident – damage done on both vehicles, the street name, and the overall view of the accident
• Identify the police officers at the scene and follow up by obtaining a copy of the police report once it is ready
• Notice and document if there are any witnesses and also take their names and information

File a Claim with Your Insurance Company

While you’re at the scene of the accident, it may be advisable to call the insurance company.  You will be able to give them a detailed explanation of what transpired and they will be able to provide you with information the steps to follow.  Make sure to give them a copy of the police report and any photographs obtained during the time of the accident.  This will help strengthen your case to settle your claim.

Document Everything

Lastly, make sure there is documentation for everything occurring post-accident.  Keep copies of all receipts from medical visits, medical records, and bills.  Keep documents of all repair costs for your vehicle and expenditures for transportation.  Also be sure to always make a note of the date and time you spoke to your insurance representative.

Shock may be surging through the driver during an accident leaving you worried and fatigued, but remembering these simple steps may be able to assist in protecting them from unnecessary stresses and hassles.  These steps will ensure the best assistance in repairing your vehicle and moving forward.

Also Check Out: What is the Role of a New York Personal Injury Attorney?