5 Things to Do After a Car Accident

You may not anticipate it, but road accidents do happen even to the most careful drivers. A severe crash or a slight bump on your car gets your adrenaline pumping and causes shock; hence you may dizzy and a bit confused. What you do after an accident can either help reduce the stress and help you handle the process seamlessly or make it difficult. Never drive away from the scene even if you do not think the accident caused any damages; it is an offence to drive off. Here is what to do if involved in a road accident.

Contact the Police

Immediately after a car accident occurs, it is paramount to determine if anyone is injured; dial 000 if anyone needs medical attention and gets the police to the scene. It is critical to contact the police even if there are no severe injuries, and all the involved parties are cooperative. It ensures that there is an official report that you can present to your insurance provider.

As you wait for their arrival, secure the scene by switching on the hazard lights, setting up flares, or placing emergency triangles to warn other motorists. Make sure you also move to safer grounds for protection from any expositions and other road users.

Document the Crash

It is advisable to only communicate with insurance representatives, medical professionals, and the police. However, it is essential to get the vehicle identification number, address, telephone number, name, and the insurance company from the owner of the other car and also record the license plate and the car’s description. If possible, take photos of the scene for an accurate description of the damage, the street, and the car’s positioning. Document any visible injuries on your body as well. However, no matter what you do, do not interfere with the police investigation and do not discuss the crash with the other pe or admit any liability.

Once the police arrive, give them an accurate description of the incident without making any guesses or speculations; inform them if you are not aware of specific facts. Make sure the statements made by other people are also accurate, and in case you are unsure of the injuries you might have sustained, let them know you are not sure rather than saying no.

Notify Your Insurance Provider

Many motor insurance policies require full cooperation and immediate reporting, so make sure you contact your provider as soon as possible. The driver at fault covers for any damages and injuries sustained from the accident. Your provider will walk you through the insurance claims-making process or do it using the company’s website or app.

The driver at fault will use their insurance to cover the medical bills of all the people involved, car repairs, and other additional expenses. Your policy determines the extent of the compensation, so make sure you are aware of the terms. You may feel tempted to offer cash for the repairs, but that could end up costing you more money.

Contact a Lawyer

Consulting an attorney is one of the crucial things you should do after a car accident. A lawyer will work to protect your rights and protect the evidence from distraction. Before giving your insurance provider the accident statement, it is best first to consult an attorney to get advice on how to receive full compensation and the best medical attention.

Many people do not usually ask for legal assistance after an accident for fear of incurring more legal fees or losing a case. However, Murphys Accident Lawyers Brisbane helps clients to lower risks, receive a swift and easy insurance claim process, and alleviate any standard concerns.

Seek Medical Attention

Injuries from car accidents do not usually manifest immediately; it may take a couple of days before you start feeling the pain. Therefore, it is better to visit a doctor because even minor accidents can cause various injuries, including permanent damages to the spinal cord, head injuries, or concussions. If left untreated, you may end up compromising your health further.

Prevention is always better, but sometimes you may not avoid car accidents, so it is best to prepare beforehand. Keep a checklist in your car that will guide you on how to handle the situation appropriately.

About the Author:

Kim Hemphry is a passionate expert in the areas of Legal Matters, learning and education. She has been featured on over 50 leading Legal and education sites and is a modern thought leader in the field. More about her interests and articles on her site – http://kimhemphry.com/