Despite all the precautions you may take, it is not always possible to avoid an accident while driving a car. And if a collision occurs due to the other party’s fault, you will get compensation from them.
However, many car owners don’t have a good idea of what they should do when involved in a car accident.
In this post, we look at seven things you should do in such a situation.
1. Check Your Injury And Get Medical Help
The first thing you need to do is check your injury. Some injuries may not hurt and you may think they are not a problem. Don’t be fooled into thinking that everything is fine with you. There can be deep wound which can lead to disastrous consequences later on.
In fact, there have been cases where people who seemed fine after an accident ended up dying due to internal organ damage. So, keep yourself in a safe place and call an ambulance.
2. Keep the Car In Place
Never move the car from the scene of an accident. Most local and state laws are very strict about it. So if you move the vehicle, you might end up destroying some of the evidence that could work in your favor. So, keep the car where it is and get the hell out of it.
However, there are states and localities that require you to move your vehicle to avoid possible traffic jams. In such a case, you must move the vehicle to the side of the road.
3. Contact Authorities
Call the local police immediately after the accident. You need to understand that the other party will also try to call the police. And this can turn against you. If you are the first to call the police and explain the situation, you will have the upper hand and can get the police to see you in a favorable light and the other party as a suspect.
And this is what you want because it will help you to project yourself as a victim, thereby increasing your chances of winning personal injury lawsuit in the future.
4. Exchange of Information with Drivers
It is also a good idea to exchange all important information with the driver involved in the accident. This includes details like full name, telephone number, email id, address, license number, insurance policy number and so on.
This will help you later in the compensation claim process. However, remember to never have an apologetic attitude when talking to other drivers. Stay strong, keep the victim calm, and get the information you need.
5. Take Photos And Videos
You should also take some photos and videos from the crash site. All vehicles involved in the accident must be covered. A close-up showing the condition of the vehicle, and a long shot showing the nature of the accident must be taken.
If your smartphone is damaged in the accident, you can ask the audience for help, ask them to take some photos and videos and send them to your email id. Such photos and videos will also help you substantiate your lawsuit.
6. Call a Personal Injury Lawyer
Call a good personal injury attorney and explain the situation to them. The sooner you contact them, the better because they have a better chance of gathering positive evidence for your compensation claim. And if they’re nearby, they can arrive at the crash site and interview a few witnesses who can prove to be very helpful in winning your case.
If the accident happened in Orange County, you are lucky to find a good injury lawyer. Did you know that there is a auto accident law firms in Irvine and Orange County, California? Call them as soon as possible, and they are sure to act quickly and ensure that you build a strong case.
7. Cure And Save Your Bill
Finally, when the ambulance arrives and takes you to the hospital, be sure to check yourself thoroughly. As previously explained, ask the doctor to do a thorough internal wound examination. After the examination is complete, the doctor will admit you to the hospital for proper treatment.
So, do as the doctor ordered and heal yourself. Remember to keep all your medical bills safe. You must present it as evidence to claim compensation for the injury.