The scene of a car accident can be very frightening and cause a sense of panic. Even small accidents that do not cause serious injuries can often be stressful. During this time, one of the most important things you can do is stay calm. This allows you to focus on the situation and handle it to the best of your ability.
After an accident, it can be helpful to follow the steps below:
Call the Police
Even if the other party involved tells you otherwise, contacting law enforcement is crucial after an accident. When the police arrive at an accident, they can direct other traffic around the wreckage to ensure your safety as well as the safety of others. In addition to this, they can also draft an official police report, take statements from witnesses, and conduct chemical tests. This information can be useful if you wish to process a claim with your insurance company after the fact.
Do Not Apologize
While it is often an impulse to apologize after being involved in an accident, it is important that you try and avoid doing so. This is because an apology can often be interpreted as an admission of fault in some cases. Instead, being police and calling the necessary emergency services can help you avoid the discussion of liability altogether.
Photo or Video of the Wreck
As long as the scene is safe to walk about, pictures and videos should be taken of the wreckage. This can capture any broken glass, deployed airbags, skid marks, and bloodstains that occurred because of the incident. It can also be beneficial to record the weather and road conditions. This can help for a future claim or a potential lawsuit.
Record Important Details
Before the scene of the accident is cleared and you leave, all necessary information should be gathered. It should not be assumed that the law enforcement officer at the scene will do this for you. It is important to be proactive and record any details that can help you file a claim. This can also include the names of witnesses, their phone numbers, and the registration information of any vehicle involved in the accident.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Seeking immediate medical attention is the most important thing you can do after an accident. Even if you feel okay in the moment, it is possible to have an injury without even realizing it or experience symptoms at a later time. While emergency responders can be on the scene to conduct examinations, you should still see a doctor for an official diagnosis. This will document your injuries, including where and what time they happened. This information can be used in filing a future claim.
Contact our Firm
At Mark L. Bodner, P.C., we are committed to guiding clients through each step of the medical malpractice claims process. Our firm understands how traumatic it can be when you become a victim of medical malpractice. We are prepared to fight on your behalf to help you recover a maximum compensation award. Contact our firm today.