What to Do After a Car Accident
If you are reading this it may be too late, but before a vehicle even begins moving you need to always: Buckle your seat belt, Make sure your brakes, airbags and tires are maintained, and always pay attention to your surroundings. Doing all you can do to prevent an accident is always better than being in one, but unfortunately some accidents can be un avoidable. After you have done all you can to prepare yourself for an accident, here are the next steps to take:
1. Assess the situation
Right after a collision can be the most dangerous time for both drivers, as traffic may still be moving through the crash site. You want to brace yourself in the vehicle before ever exiting, and thoroughly inspect the area for oncoming traffic. If your lights are still intact, activate your hazards to warn other drivers.
2. Move cars to a safe place
*if possible* If damage is minimal and you find yourself at a dead stop in a busy intersection, move both vehicles into a safer place, such as a road shoulder or a near by parking lot.
3. Shut off your engine
Cars are vulnerable to fires if gas tanks or other containers have been punctured. Never take a chance with your vehicle after a crash, you may not know the extent of damage and you could put yourself or others at risk.
4. Report the crash
Call 911 and get a police officer on the way to file a report.
5. Check yourself for injuries
If you suspect anything is wrong do not hesitate to call an ambulance. Whiplash, shock, and other injuries can all go undetected immediately after an accident and many injuries may not show up for weeks following an incident, be sure to note any unusual pains in the days following a major collision.
6. Check other parties involved for injuries
Just like you, other drivers may be in shock immediately after an accident, if you suspect another driver is injured call an ambulance to the scene.
7. Exchange information and document the crash
Remember never admit to fault and gather the following data:
• Names, phone numbers, addresses and email addresses of all vehicle occupants and witnesses
• Location
• Photos of the accident scene and all vehicles involved
• Company name, policy number and phone number for other insurance companies
• If emergency services respond: police report number, phone number, officer name and badge number, etc.
And finally:
8. Contact your Attorney
When you have been injured in an accident involving another motor vehicle, you could be faced with mountains of medical bills and other related expenses. If the accident wasn’t your fault, you could be entitled to receive compensation to pay for those expenses as well as your emotional suffering and more.
At Nutt Law Office, we want to keep your car or truck accident from becoming overwhelming to you. We’ll handle your case from start to finish, including collecting evidence in support of your case. Good types of evidence include:
• Witness statements
• Accident photos
• Medical evaluations
• Injury photos
If you believe you’re entitled to receive compensation for the damages you sustained in your car or truck accident, contact the aggressive personal injury attorneys at Nutt Law Office in Louisville, Kentucky today for a free consultation!