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How quickly an accident can change your life! One moment you’re driving down the road without a care in the world and the next you’re waking up, dazed and in pain on the side of the highway, or perhaps inside your mangled car. You manage to get out of the car only to find there is another car with injured people in it too, and you are the only one conscious. Do you what the law expects of you at this moment? Now is your opportunity to educate yourself, before the need arises, so you’ll be prepared if ever you need to be.
Stop your car at the scene
First, immediately stop your car at the scene of any automobile accident, regardless of how insignificant it may have seemed. Failure to stop is considered a hit and run, and is a serious crime. Always stop.
Call Emergency Services
Second, determine whether the people in the other vehicle or vehicles have injuries that need attention. Render help as you are able but do not move the injured person unless you are a member of the medical profession with the proper training to do so. Call 911 and report the accident. This action is required by law when there is personal injury, significant damage to vehicles, or a fatality.
Notify oncoming traffic
Three, if the accident occurred on a busy stretch of highway and is a potential hazard to other drivers then do what you can to make the scene safe. Move the cars to the side of the road if possible. Increase the accident’s visibility to oncoming traffic by using flares and road cones.
Get the Details
Fourth, secure the name, address, and telephone number of the other parties involved, as well as their vehicle’s license number and their insurance information. Get the contact info of any witnesses and secure this information in a safe place.
Consultation
Last of all, call a car accident law firm as soon as possible to protect your rights. Such consultations are usually free and most personal injury attorneys work for a percentage of the compensation they secure for you. Car accident cases are frequently all about proving the negligence of other driver. Other things you can do following an accident that may help you later include securing a copy of the official police report in so you can check the accuracy of the details it contains. Use a camera or your cell phone to document the details of the accident including any marks that may be upon the road.
Under no circumstances should you admit responsibility for the accident. You should make no statements as to blame for the accident until first speaking with a car accident attorney. Do not accept an offer from the other driver’s insurance company without first speaking with an attorney. In many cases, an attorney can secure far more compensation than the minimum amount offered. Car accidents happen in the blink of an eye, and nobody is ever really prepared for the experience. By taking the time to learn the appropriate steps to follow in advance you will be better prepared to protect yourself legally and financially should the need arise.