Disaster can strike at any moment, and though you can’t always control whether or not you’re safe on the roads, you can take steps to prepare yourself to respond in the best way possible if something goes wrong. If you’re a driver, you should learn the right actions to take in the wake of a car crash so that if the worst-case scenario becomes reality, you’re confident and informed on what to do for your safety and future.
- Make sure everyone is safe
Safety should always be the first priority. If possible, move your vehicle to the side of the road and out of the way of oncoming traffic and flip on the hazard lights. Assess yourself, other passengers, and even the parties in the other vehicle for injuries as soon as possible.
- Call for help
Even if the crash seems minor, it’s important to call the police to report the accident. Emergency medical personnel can more thoroughly assess injuries and potential health risks and ensure everyone’s safety in the moment and the future. Injuries do not always present with symptoms at the scene while adrenaline is flowing, so it can be beneficial for anyone involved to receive a medical assessment. Additionally, a police report can come in handy later for any legal action like a personal injury claim. It is better to have documentation go unused than to pursue a claim later but lack an initial crash report.
- Exchange information
Police officers may collect information at the scene, but it’s best to do so yourself as well, just in case. If you are able, gather the following information from the other driver:
- Name
- Phone number
- License plate
- Driver’s license number
- Insurance information
- Anything else relevant to the crash
This information may prove useful to you while communicating with your insurance company about the crash.
While speaking with the other driver or even the police officer, be mindful of your words. Do not admit fault or take responsibility for the crash, just state the facts as you recognize them. Determining legal fault is a job for attorneys and juries.
- Document the scene
If you are able, take pictures of the scene of the crash. Documenting the state of your car, the other driver’s car, the weather conditions, and the appearance of the intersection can make a difference in your case later. Also, photograph any visible injuries at the scene like lacerations, bruising, or other damages.
- Notify your insurance company and consider speaking with a personal injury attorney
It’s important to notify your insurance company about the crash promptly, but depending on your unique case, it may be beneficial to speak to a personal injury attorney who can help protect your rights. Insurance companies often look to settle claims quickly and for as little compensation as possible, but agreeing to a low settlement early on will negatively impact you if your injuries prove to be longer-lasting and more severe than initially anticipated.
Personal injury attorneys typically operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning that they will not charge you until your case has been settled, at which point they will take a piece of your awarded compensation. This allows clients to use legal services in these situations without facing large costs on top of mounting medical bills and car repair fees.
- Keep a paper trail
In the wake of the crash, keep a log of expenses, car repairs, medical bills, and anything else related to the incident, and a journal of your experiences. These pieces of evidence can strengthen a claim later, as they help your attorney paint an honest and compelling picture of what happened to you to either the insurance company or a jury.
If you or someone you know has recently been involved in a car crash and may need legal help, don’t hesitate to reach out. We would be honored to walk with you through it.
Contributed to by Abby Chalmers.