After The Accident — 8 Essential Steps To Take After A Car Crash
We’ve all been there — no matter how skilled you might be as a driver, accidents happen.
Sometimes they’re your fault, and sometimes there’s absolutely no way they could have been avoided.
Whatever or whoever the cause, after an accident, there are some very important steps you need to take right away.
While some of these steps might not be the first things on your mind after an accident, it’s still important that you take care of them.
From making sure you’re out of danger to finding yourself a top-notch lawyer — I’ll walk you through what you should be doing.
Here are 8 essential steps to take after a crash.
1.Don’t Go Anywhere
Leaving the scene of an accident is not a good idea.
There are things you need to do before you go, and it can also be considered fleeing the scene.
2. Secure The Scene
Take a look around — are you in danger from traffic or anything else around you?
If you are, take steps to correct it immediately — what steps will depend on your situation.
It could be as simple as putting on your hazard lights so other vehicles can see you and go around.
Or you might need to put some distance between yourself and the wreck — just don’t go too far.
3. Check For Injuries
Are you alright?
What about any passengers?
The people in the other car?
Now is the time to call for emergency services if necessary — don’t move injured people unless you have to in order to remove them from danger.
4. Gather Information
Get as much information as you can, about the accident and the other people involved.
Write everything down, take pictures — there’s no such thing as having too much information.
5. The Police Report
This step will vary depending on local laws but, if it’s required in your area, make sure you take care of it before you leave the scene.
If you’re unsure about how to make the report, or just want some advice first, it doesn’t hurt to call your local auto accident lawyer first.
6. Get Your Car Off The Road
If your vehicle is still drivable, or pushable, try to get it out of traffic.
Wherever you can get it to that it’s not in the way of other drivers, whether that’s the side of the road, or a nearby parking lot.
7. Assess Your Options
You need to decide if your car is safe to drive home, or if you need to call for a ride and get it towed.
If you’re in doubt, it’s always safer to have it towed — you don’t want it breaking down on you when you’re halfway home and making the damage worse.
The legal process after an accident can be an absolute nightmare.
An attorney who specializes in auto accidents will save you more than a headache, they’ll also cut out days of frustration, phone calls, and paperwork.
The right legal team can do more than make sure the process goes smoothly, they can also swing the decision in your favor about who’s at fault, and who owes who compensation.
They say any accident you can walk away from is a good one — but they can still cause a lot more frustration than you want to deal with.
Being prepared with a mental checklist of what you need to do after a crash will help you to keep your cool, and do the best you can in a bad situation.
Take care out there.
