Even though you have just been involved in a car accident and may be feeling angry, confused, and scared, there are certain important steps you must take in order to preserve your health and your legal rights should it be necessary to file a legal claim in the future.
Whether you are at fault or not, here is what you must do after being in a car accident:
Make Sure You Are OK
The first thing you have to do is look at yourself and make sure you are not injured. If you are, check the severity and extent of your injuries. As you check yourself out, you may conclude that you should not move and must wait for medical help to arrive. If you are able to do so, call 911. Otherwise, ask the other driver or your passengers to call an ambulance for you.
Check Your Passengers
If you can, check your passengers and confirm that they have not been injured; have them lay still and wait for emergency personnel to arrive if they are. It is also important for you and your passengers to get off the road if possible. You do not want to risk being hit by a speeding car.
Move Your Car to Safety
Leaving the car in the middle of the road is dangerous since it can be hit again. If its condition allows you to move it, get it to the side of the road. If not, leave it where it is and get yourself to a safe spot. Turn off the car and turn on the hazard lights if they are in working condition. If you have them, use road flares to warn oncoming cars.
Call 911
No matter how large or small the accident is, it is important to call 911. If an ambulance is not required, you should still ask for the police to come to the scene. The responding officers will evaluate the scene and write down what happened in an accident report. If they are unable to come to the accident location, you can go to the nearest police station and report the accident yourself. Make sure to get a copy of the police report to hand to your insurance or your personal injury attorney. It will be useful to have when initiating the claims process.
Document the Scene
Besides exchanging information with the other driver, like their name and contact details, also get their car's make, model, and license plate, their insurance policy number, and their driver's license. Write down the time and location of the accident.
Take pictures of the cars involved, their damage, the accident scene, as well as anything else that you think might be relevant. Interview any witnesses and get their contact information as well.
Initiate the Claims Process
You need to let your insurance company know about the accident to initiate the claims process. However, it may be in your best interest to work with a car accident lawyer in Atlanta to help maximize your payout and protect your legal rights. Your lawyer will listen to your story, gather all needed evidence to build a strong case, and fight with you and for you every step of the way.
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