Car Collision 101: Steps to Take Following a Car Crash
Being involved in a car accident is never a pleasant experience. It is one that can be stressful, leaving an individual scrambling for answers in the aftermath. However, there are steps to take to ensure that not only is everyone safe after the crash but that they follow the law as well.
Steps to Take After a Car Crash
Whether a person is at fault or not, they will want to follow these steps to ensure the best possible outcome from an otherwise traumatic experience. Florida is a state with many possibilities. One unfortunate reality to life on the road in the Sunshine State is automobile accidents. Automobile accidents happen, and drivers need to know how to react if they are involved in one.
Safety is Always First
When you get into a car accident, you need to ensure you are safe. The first thing you should do is check to see if you or any passengers are injured. Then call 911 immediately and notify them about the accident. If someone is seriously injured, do not try to move them. Trying to do so yourself can cause additional injuries. Instead, wait until an ambulance arrives and let them take care of the injured person.
If there are no severe injuries, you are going to want to get out of harm’s way. This means moving your vehicle from the roadway, only if you can do so safely and quickly. Once you and the car are in a safe spot, the proper authorities can analyze the scene and make sure everyone involved is in good health.
Also, it should be noted that in some cases, you might not notice the severity of your injuries until later on. Sometimes in the event of a car accident, your body does not feel pain immediately. This is due to the adrenaline and endorphins that are released at the time of the crash. Instead, you might feel an increase in energy and reduced pain. However, once the release from those chemicals wears off, your pain might start to increase. Visit a medical professional to get analyzed if something feels off. Remember your health is sacred; it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Gather Information
If the police are not at the scene of the accident yet, you will need to contact the authorities to file a police accident report. This official report could prove to be helpful when filing an insurance claim or if you are filing a personal injury case. Even a minor accident should involve the authorities submitting a police accident report. The point is to gather objective information.
Additionally, you will want to gather information for yourself. Write down the insurance information of the driver involved in the accident, their names and contact information, license plate number, location and time of the crash and the name and badge number of any officer that comes to the scene. It’s crucial to gather accurate information about a wreck to be used later for insurance and legal purposes. Getting the facts is essential. Don’t leave until all evidence and information is obtained.
Take Legal Action
Victims of an automobile accident shouldn’t have to pay medical bills and auto repair bills because another driver was being negligent while driving. If you are injured due to the negligence of another and would like to make a claim, you need to start the legal process as soon as possible.
At Dial/Klein, PLLC, we know the ins and outs of the legal process of personal injury cases. We understand how frustrating insurance companies can be after being injured. However, our Brevard County car accident lawyers will research all pertinent information regarding your matter and determine the best path moving forward. We have a record of success in car accident claims and can put our knowledge and expertise to work for you.