September 28, 2022
Each year, millions of people get into car accidents across the globe. And even though the creation of motor vehicles has resulted in immense progress for how we live our lives and get around, this means that serious collisions where people get hurt is possible. Whether you were part of a small fender bender or a more serious crash, you may be too shocked and shaken up to be thinking clearly, which is why it can help to educate yourself ahead of time. Here is what you can do at the scene and afterward to make your claim process easier.
#1 Assess if anyone is hurt.
Do not leave the scene of a car accident, even if it’s minor. Your first priority must be your health and safety. Gently check your body for possible injuries so when EMS arrives they can give you proper care on the spot. Check the others involved in the accident to see if they require medical attention as well. Common injuries for car accidents tend to include back and neck injury, wounds, whiplash, head injuries, burns, road rash, broken bones, and more. As your lawyer can review with you, like a car accident attorney residents trust from Glotzer & Leib, LLP, copies of medical documentation is going to be influential for how much you receive in compensation, so getting medical attention is strongly advised.
#2 Get yourself out of the way of danger.
If you were not critically injured and the accident was relatively minor, drive your vehicle off to the side of the road so that it doesn’t get in the way of traffic. If your car is left in the middle of a street or highway, more accidents could ensue. However, if the crash is more severe and there are people injured, leave the cars where they are, the traffic can wait. You may not think you are injured, but be careful when you exit your vehicle anyway. This is especially true if the collision occurred on a busy road, your injuries could cause you to not think logically or make misjudgments, potentially putting you in the way of harm.
#3 Call the police immediately.
It is important to get a report for the accident, but the police in certain areas may not respond to smaller collisions. If police do arrive, note the responding officer’s name, badge number, and form of contact. Be sure to provide them with your side of the story and only offer factual details. The few minutes following a car accident is not the time to place blame or make accusations, as that is something your insurance company and lawyer will help you with. You can ask for a copy of this police report in the days after at a local law enforcement officer, which can also be used as evidence to prove your story as to what happened.