One of the most stressful and frightening times in our adult lives. Having an automobile accident because of some careless driver or negligent motorist. The fact of the matter is even to most skilled drivers on the road today have car accidents. So … you've been in a car accident, what should you do? Wait, it's not time to call the car accident lawyer just yet, you have a few things to take care of first.
First and Foremost – Be prepared.
It's always best practice to have an emergency road side kit in your trunk just for such an occasion. The kit should have emergency flares, reflective triangles, and small orange cones. These items help alert and direct traffic around your vehicle. In the same kit make sure you have a note pad and pens for writing, you'll need these to take notes after the car accident. Lastly make sure you carry a first aid kit and any important medical information along with your registration and insurance information.
After The Car Accident
The best advice a car accident lawyer would give you immediately after the automobile accident is stay calm and breathe, count to ten if need be. It's best you get your bearings and what's going on before you make any moves. While you're checking your surroundings check yourself for injuries and check any passengers for injuries as well. If you or someone is hurt or there may be any doubt call an ambulance immediately, you can never be too sure. If the incident is minor be considerate and move the vehicles out from direct traffic to avoid any further problems. Now if the auto accident is more than minor now may be a good time to use any flares, triangles, or cones to alert traffic. Even if the accident is minor you should call law enforcement by now. Regardless of what may be going on that instant, call the cops. After you call the cops, call your insurance agent and tell them what has happened. Most will help you file the claim immediately to hurry the adjusters.
Important Car Accident Information
It's very important you never sign any documentation until you consult with a car accident lawyer. It's okay to deny signing documentation without proper legal representation, you have rights. However it's perfectly fine to give out your insurance and auto registration information to the other party involved as you would want the same from them as well. You're going to want to take notes of the auto accident yourself. Record everyone's name that was involved, the time of day, the vehicles involved, registrations, insurance information, and anything you can think of that could help you later. It's wise to be kind to everyone involved, even the law enforcement. The auto accident was stressful enough, why make matters worse by being mean or threatening? Consider speaking in short words to everyone and don't offer too much information, even if you think you are right and it wasn't your fault. The last bit of advice is do not leave the scene of the automobile accident. In some states this is a crime and you may face hit and run charges.
