A car accident can have many serious consequences, including physical injuries, financial damages, and emotional trauma. Even with all the safety technology available to the modern driver, car accidents cannot completely be stopped. The most careful and conscientious driver can still be involved in a collision. Therefore, it is important to know what should be prioritized after an accident.
Who Should I Call After a Car Accident?
Immediately following an accident, check for injuries. Safety is the first priority, so never move anyone who is seriously injured; instead, call 9-1-1 for medical assistance, and wait for help to arrive. If there are no injuries, it is still important to call the police. The police will create an accident report, which documents what happened. This report can be helpful later, and insurance companies often ask for a copy as part of the claims process.
Should I Stay in My Car?
If the vehicles involved in the accident are creating a safety hazard and it is safe to move them, they should be removed to the side of the road or shoulder of the highway. Turn on hazard lights, and mark the accident scene with road flares or signs. If the accident caused significant damage and there is a smell of smoke or gasoline, everyone should get away from the car to a safe place until emergency services arrive.
If the accident happened on a busy highway or highly traveled thoroughfare, do not exit the vehicle unless traffic is clear. Many people survive an accident only to be tragically killed or injured when they are hit by oncoming traffic.
What Information Do I Need to Collect After an Accident?
After a car accident, be sure to get pertinent information from the other driver, such as their insurance information. This information can easily be recorded with a cellphone. If there are other witnesses, such as passengers or onlookers, get their contact information as well. Get the names and badge numbers of the officers who filed the police report, and ask how to obtain a copy of it.
Take photographs of the accident scene, noting the location, type, color, and model of the other vehicle, property damage, and any other vital information. Try to be thorough, and take photographs from many different angles. Photographs of injuries may also be helpful later in a personal injury suit.
Should I Call My Insurance Company?
Anyone involved in an accident should call their insurance company, but one should never sign any agreement or papers without first consulting with an experienced lawyer. When trading information with the other driver, never blame them for what happened, discuss, apologize, or admit fault. Collect needed information and document the accident.
Media Car Accident Lawyers at the Law Office of Deborah M. Truscello Help Clients with Personal Injury Claims
If you were in a car accident that was caused by the negligence of another party, you may be eligible for compensation, including damages for medical bills, wage losses, and pain and suffering. An experienced Media car accident lawyer at the Law Office of Deborah M. Truscello can help you. Call us at (610) 892-4940 or contact us online for a free consultation. Located in Media, Pennsylvania, we serve clients throughout Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, Lancaster, Montgomery County, Norristown, Philadelphia, Reading, and West Chester, Pennsylvania.