The Immediate Steps You Need To Take After Experiencing A Serious Car Crash
Every year, people get injured in different states, and some lose their lives due to the ever-increasing road accidents. The number of road accidents is increasing at an alarming rate, which requires everyone to play their part in controlling the situation. It becomes inconveniencing and devastating when you get involved in an accident. You will miss undertaking your daily duties, suffer damages and also incur substantial medical bills. Sometimes such damages and injuries are covered through compensation, but when done on time.
The actions you take immediately after an accident greatly determines your compensation. The activities can also prevent further damages, injuries, and even death. Here are some steps to take after experiencing a horrifying accident.
1. Ensure You and Others Are Safe
It's normal to feel shocked, shaky, and disoriented after getting involved in an accident. However, you should try as much to see yourself and others in the accident safely. First, you need to stay calm and focus on the challenges ahead. Try as much to put your vehicle into safety, putting on hazards, and get out of it. Check out everyone and ensure they are safe, too, before moving to a safer place.
It would be best if you did not drive off or leave the accident scene. What if there are injuries? If there are severe injuries, you should call 911 immediately and ask for assistance. If no one is injured, you can proceed with the other steps before checking to the hospital for body checkups. Please do not assume the injuries as sometimes they might be internal, which can be fatal.
2. Call the Police
Immediately you are in a safe place, call the police and report the accident. It's illegal in some countries or states not to report an accident, even when it's a small impact. The police will come and write down the police report while clearing the scene, and this semi-truck accident lawyer in North Carolina confirms that a police report is an essential requirement when filing for a compensation case. Other than the police report, you need to get the officer's badge number, their names, and a copy of the report when ready.
What if the police never arrive? When it's a minor accident, the police might fail to come. This situation doesn't give you the go-ahead to drive off to your destination. You have to pass through the police station, report the accident and get the police report. You should avoid talking about settling the case out of court with the driver at fault.
3. Gather the Facts and Document the Accident
It is essential to collect all the necessary information concerning the accident. Try as much to gather the facts and document them. You will need the other driver's details, their vehicle's details, and the insurance number. After this, you will need to talk to the witnesses and gather any information concerning the accident.
You also need to take their data and contacts. You also need to take details of the accident scene, including when the accident happened, the location, vehicle conditions, injuries, and other essential information. You can use your smartphone to take pictures, videos and also to record narrations. Ensure every detail of the accident scene is captured.
4. Contact the Insurance Companies
You will also need to contact the insurance companies and report the accident. This reporting happens even when you are at fault. You should first call your insurance company and inform them about the occurrence and take their advice on the next step. They might ask you to reach the other party's insurance company or handle the situation from their office. The insurance company can also generate a report that you will need for your compensation. At times, the insurance company of the driver at-fault might call you and explain the compensation process. If not, you will need to call and inquire about the same.
5. Call a Lawyer
Matters of law and compensation are always complicated. What you may think is a straightforward case might turn against you. It's essential to call a competent lawyer to help you with the process. The attorney will help you gather enough evidence, interview the witnesses and follow up with insurance companies to ensure you are fully compensated. They will also take the matter to the courts if the insurance company's compensation isn't satisfactory. Calling an accident lawyer also comes in handy when the accident was a complicated one or comprises different parties.
The above are the steps you should not overlook when you get involved in a severe crash accident. You need to stay calm and follow the processes with a clear mind. It's recommended to hire a competent accident lawyer to guide you through all the steps. The way you will follow these processes will determine if you will make or break your compensation claims.