What are the things you should do to protect yourself and your passengers after a car accident? It can be really hard to think clearly. Since emotions are high, and you might be in a state of trauma, you’re prone to making mistakes that could limit your right to get compensation from the alt-fault party and their insurance company.
By following the proper steps and precautions, however, you can ensure that you get the best possible outcome. Below are the five essential steps you have to take if you were hurt in a serious car accident.
Stay put in the accident scene for a moment unless your immediate safety gets threatened. Thoroughly examine yourself before doing anything further and see what particular injuries you’ve sustained following the car crash.
Avoid moving and call 911 immediately if you got seriously injured. Wait for the medical personnel to arrive.
The next thing you should do is check on other parties involved in the accident.
Prioritize your passengers after checking yourself. If anyone needs medical attention, seek help immediately. Again, unless immediate safety is threatened, don’t move other parties even if one complains of a hurting neck or is unconscious.
Step out of your vehicle after accounting for yourself and all your passengers. Check on drivers and passengers on the other car(s) this time and make sure that everyone is okay. If anyone has sustained serious injuries, immediately seek medical attention.
Start taking inventory of the accident and take measures to protect your rights after ensuring that everyone is physically safe. The following are the things that you should do:
Should you be required to pursue litigation, the initial measures above will help increase your chances of getting a favorable outcome.
Following the steps below, when it comes to documenting the accident, will help protect yourself.
Your insurance company should promptly be informed that you were involved in a car accident. Tell them the extent of your sustained injuries and let them know the truth about what really happened. Cooperate with them and explain the facts clearly. Always remember that you could get into serious trouble if your insurer finds out that you’re lying to them about the accident. Point out to them who was at fault and who broke what laws by reviewing the copy of the report you’ve obtained from the police officers.
After taking the steps discussed above, it’s time to hire a qualified car accident lawyer. You’ll never really know what repercussions could be popping up along the way, even if you believe that the car accident you’ve been involved in was a minor one. Also, since your insurer will look to pay the least possible compensation for you, you need a car accident attorney who can help in protecting your interests and rights in the case. A lawyer ensures that you’re going to get what you truly deserve from your insurance.