What To Do After Being In An Accident
After you’ve been involved in an auto accident, it’s important to be sure you know what to do. You may you’ll know what to do, but at the moment you may be overwhelmed, confused, injured, or in shock. That’s why it’s important to know beforehand what to do after being in an accident.
Here’s an auto accident checklist so that you can easily go through the list and keep yourself protected following an accident.
#1. Stay Safe
After an accident, the first thing you want to do is attend to your safety and those involved. If anyone needs an ambulance or medical attention, be sure to call 911. If you and any other passengers and those in the other vehicle are safe, make sure you stay safe by moving out of the way of traffic or other hazards. If your cars are not in the way, you should leave them as they are so that the details of the accident can be recorded. Be sure you put your flashers on to alert other drivers.
#2. Contact Police
Whether it is a serious accident or not, it is a good idea to call the police. When they arrive on the scene, they will make a police report which can be helpful later on should you decide to work with a car accident law firm.
#3. Record Info
As you give an account to police for the police report, be sure to include as much detail as possible. Be sure to stick to what you know; do not guess or assume. Be sure you make your own documentation as well for your records. Take pictures, write down information, speak to eye-witnesses, etc. Record the condition of your car, the other vehicle, the scene, and any other details that may have been involved in the accident.
#4. Exchange Info
It is important to collect contact information from the other individual/individuals involved in the accident. If you contact the police, they will often gather this information for you. If they don’t, be sure you have it. This will be helpful in submitting insurance claims and determining fault if you take legal action.
#5. Seek Medical Attention
Sometimes injuries from auto accidents don’t manifest themselves until several days or even weeks following an auto accident. If you think you may have been injured it is important to get checked out. It is especially important to have documentation of injuries if you decide to hire a personal injury lawyer. Your injury lawyer will help you get your life back on track following an accident by fighting for you when it comes to dealing with insurance companies and settling legal disputes.
If you are in the Taylorsville area and are looking for someone to fight in your corner for you following an auto accident or any other personal injury cases, contact Cockayne Law at (801) 268-2491. The attorneys at Cockayne Law proudly fight for Utah’s injury victims. Let them fight for you!
