While many people hope to avoid getting in a car accident, most everyone is involved in a collision at least once in their lifetime. From fender benders to more serious accidents, car accidents are all too common.
Whether the accident was due to weather, distracted driving, failing to yield, car blind spots, or one of the other many reasons accidents happen, when involved in a collision, it is important that you follow certain steps in order to ensure that everyone is all right and taken care of properly, read about Bengal Law and why they have the best law team for you.
In the event you are involved in an accident, here is everything you need to know about what to do if in a collision.
Call a Lawyer
If you are in a collision, it can be smart to speak with an auto accident attorney, such as Sean Park, as he and his firm can help you get through the process smoothly. If you have to deal with personal injuries, a hit-and-run driver, or insurance problems, working with a car accident lawyer can help you deal with a difficult time. You may look for an experienced auto accident attorney to improve your chances of getting the compensation that you deserve.
Pull Over
Regardless of how small the accident is, you should never drive away from the accident without pulling over, exchanging information, and making sure the other person is all right. If you leave, you are technically committing a crime, as a hit-and-run is considered a criminal offense.
When involved in an accident, if possible, pull over to the side of the road in order to be away from any more harm. Additionally, put on your hazard lights in order to alert others that there is a problem.
Call the Police
It is a smart move to call the police with any car accident, as your insurance company might require a police report in order to move forward with your insurance claim. According to local lawyers, if the accident is extremely serious, a police officer can help with the situation, get the appropriate information, and can run interference between you and the other parties involved.
Exchange Information
After an accident, it is important to exchange the correct information. You should always exchange names and numbers, insurance information, and any other important details. Moreover, you should take pictures of the damage of both your car and the offending party’s, as well as note any other details, such as the make and model of their car, the license number, and the details of the crash. Writing down the events while they are fresh in your mind can help you recall everything just as it happened.
Insurance Claim
As soon as possible, contact your insurance company in order to file a claim. If you wait too long, your insurance company may not be able to help, as they may not be able to take on a claim after a certain number of days.
When speaking with your insurance agent, make sure to give them all of the facts, and send them the photos of the crash, the information of the other party, including their insurance company, and other details they need. Additionally, ask them for a list of auto body shops in the area that they work with so you can get your car fixed as soon as possible. In some cases, your insurance company may cover the cost of a rental car, so make sure you ask them about what agencies they work with.
Medical Help
In a serious collision, most people call 911 and get the help they need. On the other hand, for minor injuries, many decide against paying a doctor a visit, assuming they are just fine. While some people are fine after a minor accident, there are certain internal injuries you could have sustained. Getting checked out by a medical professional can ensure you that you are safe and have a clean bill of health. In the event you did sustain injuries, your insurance company should cover the cost of the visit, as well as may give you a settlement for your injuries.
Remaining calm in an accident can help you get all the information necessary and can help you get through the situation as easily as possible.
Image Source: https://pixabay.com/en/accident-car-accident-car-scrap-785442/
