Getting in a car accident can be sudden and surprising. Usually, the first thought of someone involved is to make sure that everyone is safe, and are not aware of what they should do following the accident. Below you will find a guide on some of the best practices to follow right after the accident occurs.
Make Sure You and Your Passengers are Safe
The first step, however obvious it may seem, is to make sure you and your passengers are safe. Whether or not you or anyone else in the car have sustained any major injuries can determine the urgency of the moments ahead.
Reporting the Accident
Even if there are no serious injuries, calling the police is always the best idea if you need a police report to file a claim with your insurance company or the opposite driver is intoxicated.
It is also important to make an accurate report of the accident when the authorities arrive. You will have to give an exact account of the events that have occurred, even if you don’t remember anything. It is crucial that you do not guess or speculate anything that happened so you do not give an inaccurate account.
What Not To Say
The most important thing that you should not say after a car accident is “I’m sorry.” Avoiding it all costs may be a difficult habit to keep at bay, but it can save you from a future lawsuit. It is an admission of guilt that, even if you are not at fault for the accident, the other driver may use against you in court.
Exchanging Information
Usually, the police officer that responds to the scene gathers the information of the drivers involved. If the authorities do not respond to the accident quickly, you may need to do it yourself if you are physically able. You should gather information on the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of individuals present in the accident, including passengers.
You should also work to obtain the information of any witness that happen to remain at the scene so that they may be easily contacted if there is a need for more information.
Take Lots of Pictures
Nowadays everyone has a high-quality camera right in their pocket. If there is any visible damage to the vehicles involved, it should be photographed. You should also photograph yourself or anyone else involved if they have any visible injuries. Photographic evidence may also be necessary when filing a claim with your insurance company, but do your best as to interfere with the police investigation.
Protecting the Scene
Protecting the scene can mean more than simply making sure nothing is tampered with or moved. It also means protecting the rest of the drivers on the road in order to prevent more accidents. No matter if it is light or dark outside, you should set up flares if you have them or keep your hazards on to indicate that there is something up ahead for other drivers.
Seek Medical Attention
The majority of injuries that are sustained by car accidents do not become apparent until the days following the incident. Even if areas like your neck or back don’t hurt immediately following the collision, your adrenaline may be keeping you from feeling that pain. Unless there was a way to definitively prove that you do not have any injuries, it is always a good idea to seek medical attention to find those injuries that may be hiding under the surface.
Contact Our Georgia Car Accident Team Today
One collision can completely change your life. Understanding your options when it comes to car accidents can be the key to making sure your physical and mental needs are met after the cars are towed away. We are prepared to offer compassionate and experienced services to help you get back on your feet.
If you were recently involved in a car accident, do not hesitate to contact us today through our website or give us a call at (404) 620-3337 for more information on how we can help.