7 Important Steps to Take After Being in an Auto Accident

Getting into a car accident is a serious event. Vehicle collisions create expenses and trauma due to property damage, injuries, and potential fatalities. Regardless of the outcome of your collision, there are a few steps you should follow, such as calling an auto accident law firm.

A car accident can cause several injuries to you, one of your passengers, or the driver in the other car. One of the first things you should do is a full head-to-toe scan of your body. Note any bleeding, pain, open cuts, wounds, or lacerations. If can get out of the car, check the driver in the other vehicle to see if they’re conscious or injured.

You must call the authorities immediately after a collision. The police have to make an official report of the accident. If substance abuse is a suspected cause of the accident, the police will make you or the other driver take a breathalyzer test. They'll also note if anybody is injured or worse. Failing to call the police after a vehicle accident can have major legal repercussions, especially when you're the person at fault. There are traffic cameras all over the country, so if you attempt to flee the scene of an accident, your license plate number can be caught on camera. Plus, you need an official police report for your insurance claim and if the case goes to trial.

Even if you're conscious, a car accident may cause you to be too dazed and confused to document anything. However, if you’re alert and awake after a collision, do your best to document everything as much as possible while fresh in your mind. Take photos of both cars and exchange info with the other driver if possible. Note what may have caused the accident. According to Carsurance, over 90% of all car crashes in the US involve driver error. If it appears that speeding, talking on the phone, lack of a turn signal, pothole, etc, caused the collision, it's useful information in any pending accident case.

Your car may not be in a state to drive home. Call roadside assistance to tow your car to check for any issues and begin the repair. If your car has to be fixed, you may need an alternate way to get home. Avoid fumbling for emergency numbers, and add a roadside assistance app on your phone.

Call your auto insurance company as soon as possible. Don't wait until two days after the collision. To make an insurance claim, you must give them as much information as possible about what happened. That's why whatever documentation you have matters. The police report will be needed as well. Remember, insurance companies aren't always eager to make the full payout to clients. Avoid any issues with your insurer, by finding a local auto accident law firm.

It's possible to be in a vehicle collision and walk away just fine. However, play it safe and seek medical care as soon as possible. Problems such as whiplash may not appear until later. Doctors can check for any internal bleeding and internal lacerations. If you need to pay for surgery or physical therapy later, a doctor's report related to the accident can help with compensation.

Hiring a legal professional aren't just for drivers at fault. An auto accident law firm helps protect your rights after such a traumatic situation. Many things can happen due to a car accident. Your once beautiful car may be a complete wreck that needs replacement. There may be internal or external physical injuries as well as emotional trauma. A related injury may result in losing time and money at work. Some common car accident injuries include whiplash, lacerations, broken bones, and sometimes disability. You can end up with expensive medical bills that may go beyond what your medical insurance will cover. An experienced attorney can speak for you during this time. They'll gather any evidence from the accident to use during a mediation or court trial. Your legal rep will also work with your insurance company to get the compensation you deserve for your claim.

A car accident is hard for anyone. However, you can get through the aftermath by following the above steps. Time is of the essence after a crash, so act fast. Make sure you have protection after a car collision by contacting our local auto accident law firm for assistance. Contact our team at Sarkisian Law Offices today for more information.