Car accidents, no matter how small or large, can be very chaotic and stressful situations to be involved in. They often cause a great deal of panic. However, it is important for those involved in an accident to stay calm and remain focused during this time. This is because, after an accident, certain steps should be taken to ensure the best outcome of a horrible situation. Following these steps can help aid the success of a future claim.
After an accident, it is beneficial for an individual to follow the steps below:
Call the Police
After an accident, it is important to contact law enforcement, even if the other party involved tries to convince you otherwise. When police are at the scene, they can make it safe by directing other traffic around the accident and prevent the situation from becoming even more dangerous. They can also draft an official police report, take statements from witnesses, and conduct chemical tests. These can all be helpful in the event that you wish to process a claim with your insurance company.
Do Not Apologize
It can often be a knee-jerk reaction to apologize after an accident. However, it is important to try and avoid doing so because an apology can sometimes be interpreted as an admission of fault. By avoiding this, you can avoid discussing liability in general with the other party. Instead, it is important to be polite and call any necessary emergency services.
Photo or Video of the Wreck
As long as the scene of the accident is safe to walk about, it is important to take pictures and even videos of the collision. This involves all vehicles involved. Doing so can capture any broken glass, deployed airbags, skid marks, and bloodstains that happened because of the incident. It can also be beneficial to record the weather and road conditions. This can help for a future claim.
Record Important Details
It is important to collect any details from the scene of an accident. It should not be assumed that a police officer will document this for you. Being proactive and recording all of these details can help you file a future claim should you wish to do so. This information can include the names of any witnesses, their phone numbers, and the registration information of all vehicles involved in the accident.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
After an accident, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Even if you feel fine after the collision, it is possible that you can sustain an injury without realizing it. It is also possible to experience symptoms at a later date. Sometimes, emergency responders are on the scene of the accident that can conduct examinations. Even if you receive this treatment, it is still important to see a doctor for an official diagnosis. This diagnosis can document your injuries, including where and what time they happened. This information can be beneficial if you wish to file a claim.
Contact our Firm
Stathis & Leonardis, LLC is an experienced personal injury law firm in Middlesex County, New Jersey that is committed to helping clients who have been hurt because of the negligence of another party. If you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident or were injured on another person’s property, contact our firm today.
