Know What To Do In A Serious Car Accident

Every year, millions of car accidents happen all across the nation. Whether you were in a minor fender bender or more serious crash, you may be too disoriented to think clearly. By learning what to do in the event of a car accident, people are better apt to respond how they should in the moments and days to follow. An experienced lawyer, such as a personal injury lawyer Lafayette, IN victims trust from Hall-Justice Law Firm LLC, knows that victims of car accidents may be eligible for compensation from the at-fault driver and should consider taking legal action if needed.

Is it okay to leave the scene if no one is hurt?

Do not leave the scene until you have called 911 and an ambulance can attend to people with injuries. Keep in mind that even if you don’t think you sustained injury, it’s still possible that you did. So you should not leave the scene until your health has been checked, an officer has taken a report, and you have exchanged information with the other driver. Details to gather from the driver include their first and last name, driver’s license number, vehicle description, insurance carrier name, insurance policy number, address, and phone number.

If the accident was minor but on a busy road what should I do?

If you were not hurt and the collision was minor, then carefully get your car off to the side of the road so it does not interfere with traffic. A second accident can unfold if you do not move yourself or the vehicles out of the way. Set up reflective emergency triangles or flares to alert others to drive more carefully. But if the crash is more serious than that or if people are hurt, don’t worry about the placement of the vehicles. Focus on making sure those who need medical attention get it right away.

What will the officer include in their accident report?

In some areas, police may not respond to a minor collision where no one was hurt. But if police arrive, write down the officer’s badge number, name, and contact information. You can request a copy of the accident report in the days to follow or through your insurance company as they handle your claim. The officer’s report will entail facts about how the accident happened, so this document can be useful in proving the other driver was responsible.

What evidence is most important?

Visual evidence can express more than what words are trying to describe. Photographs or video of the accident scene, your visible injuries, damage to all vehicles, and other factors should be captured with a camera if possible. See if any bystanders are willing to give you their contact information so they can provide a statement for your case later on. Essentially, the more visual evidence and people you have to support your side of the story, the better.

Auto accidents not only ruin your day, but they can ruin your health and pocketbook too. Anyone that has been in a recent accident must take the above steps, seek medical attention, and always watch out for their best interests.