This Blog was brought to you by the San Antonio Car Accident Lawyer of the Carabin Shaw Law Firm in San Antonio
What To Do After An Accident
1. Leave an Emergency kit in your trunk or glove compartment. It is important to be prepared, and by keeping a couple of useful items nearby, you can help relieve a situation that will likely be stressful already. You should have a pen to take down any important information about the other driver and make notes on what happened. After the accident, it can be challenging to remember all the details, so keeping a log can be useful. You should also have a camera, whether disposable in the car or a picture phone, that can take higher-quality photos. This can document the damage done to both cars to have an accurate report in case the other party tries to change the story. You will also want all important information, such as contact numbers, medical information, and insurance. It can even be beneficial to keep items such as emergency flares or traffic cones in your trunk to be put out after the incident.
2. Safety Should be the Main Priority. It can be easy to become turned around and not think clearly after an accident, but knowing what to do beforehand, can help you have more of a handle on the situation if it does come up. In a wreck that does not involve serious injuries, it is smart to pull cars to the side of the road and out of any traffic. Sometimes the obstacles in the road can cause other cars to be unable to stop in time to crash, or observers can ignore the vehicle in front of them when their focus is taken off the road. If a car is too damaged to be driven to the side, the driver and their passengers should get back into the car and buckle their seatbelts. Hazard lights should also be placed on, and flares or cones can be set out for those with them on hand.
3. Exchange Information. It is important to exchange all related information with the other car’s driver. This will include driver’s license numbers, license plates, phone numbers, insurance companies, and policy numbers. Car information should also be documented, such as the make of the car and the color. Try to make your report as thorough as possible so that you do not need additional information after the fact. While speaking with the other driver or passengers, you must make the discussion simply factual and an exchange of information. You do not want to discuss what happened or admit any fault at this point.
4. Document the Event and Take Pictures. Take several photos up close and further away that can provide insurance companies with an accurate portrayal of the damage caused during the accident. Taking pictures can be an easy step to forget, but it is essential to do. If there were others present at the time of the accident, you should also take down their names and contact information to see if they would be willing to provide a witness account.
5. File An Official Report. In cases that involve more extensive injuries, an officer will likely arrive and make a report on the accident. In less severe cases, this may not be true, but it can still be helpful to file the report anyways. This can be done with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or the local police station. It may also be available online. This can aid with the overall efficiency and smoothness of the process.
6. Be Aware of Your Insurance Coverage. Some people do not know what they are paying for with their insurance and what their policy covers until after an accident. It is wise to know about this before your moment of need so that you can make any necessary adjustments before facing this issue. Sometimes these changes can only be a small monthly financial increase, but you gain far more assistance after a wreck. If an accident has already occurred, it is important to speak with an insurance company to find out how you are covered and what you can expect.
7. Get Medical Treatment. This will depend on the extent of the damage that has been done. Some individuals will be severe enough to be taken to the hospital immediately. Even if you do not appear to have any injuries, it is often a wise choice to be checked out. The effects may not always be observed immediately, or the damage can worsen internally. You will also want to know the extent of injuries so they can be factored into the final compensation.
8. Speak with a Lawyer. It will likely be a long stretch ahead of you, and you want to be in good hands. Even in less serious cases, many details should be addressed that you do not want to overlook. Your first step should be to speak with a professional, even before talking with an insurance company. They will typically look out for themselves first, which can involve resolving your case quickly and cheaply, even if it compromises your results. It is common for the insurance company of the at-fault driver also to want a recorded account of what occurred, and you should not do this until after your lawyer gives you the green light. A professional will also have experience in these matters and can work alongside other professionals, such as doctors, to determine a more accurate idea of the amount you should be owed. Your health is always the first concern; you want to ensure any issues are addressed and checked out by a healthcare professional. Once this has been addressed, you can move forward to the legal side of the case. You should retain the services of a qualified lawyer that can be there to seek compensation for your injuries.
