What to Do in the Case of an Automobile Accident

If you are in an automobile accident, it's important to act in a way that ensures everyone's safety. Don't do anything that will get you in legal trouble or that can be used negatively against you in a court of law.

This article will offer you advice on how you can best handle yourself in the event of a car accident.

Assess Injuries and Call for Help

If you are involved in an automobile accident, assess everyone for injuries and call for help. Unless someone is in more danger by leaving them where they are, wait for paramedics to move injured people. Otherwise, you may cause worse injuries by moving them incorrectly.

Do Not Leave the Scene

If you are in a fender bender, pull into the nearest safe area and trade contact and insurance information with the other party. If the cars aren't mobile, leave them where they are and put the hazard lights on to let oncoming traffic know to proceed with caution.

Don't stray too far from the scene of the accident, or else you can find yourself charged with fleeing the scene of an accident which is a felony. If you leave the scene, you will look as if you were guilty of causing the accident.

Gather Information and Evidence

Try your best to stay calm after an accident so you can make good decisions. Gather contact information from witnesses who saw the accident take place. Take pictures of the cars involved in the accident, the area around the scene, and anything that may have played some role in causing the accident.

Call the police so they will take a report. A report will be helpful with regards to dealing with the insurance companies. A report will also be useful if you find yourself in the middle of a court case over the incident.

Don't Say the Wrong Things

A possible court case won't be the first thing on your mind during an accident. This makes it easy to say things that end up hurting a future case. Don't apologize because your apology can be used against you as admission of guilt.

Don't say things like "I didn't even see you" or anything else that gives away too much information that can be turned against you in court. Stick to making sure everyone is okay and exchanging information.

Follow Through with Seeking Medical Attention

Some injuries don't show up right away since adrenaline can prevent you from feeling hurt right after an accident. If you opted not to go to the hospital directly from the accident, you still want to get checked out. Call and make an appointment with your doctor to get checked out as soon as possible.

Follow the medical advice your doctor gives you and get the tests done they suggest. Proof of taking your injuries seriously will be helpful if you are involved in a court case. Otherwise, the other party involved will have the leverage to make it look as if your injuries weren't as severe as they really are.

It's possible to have good days when you're injured. However, when there is the possibility of a court case, always follow the limitations provided to you by your medical providers. Investigators may be involved in the case, and if they snap a photograph of you doing something that your injuries should prevent you from being able to do, they can bring it up in your case.

Inform Your Insurance Company about the Accident

Call your insurance company and inform them of the accident after dealing with immediate issues. Provide your insurance company with the contact and insurance information you collected from the other vehicles involved.

Contact an Attorney

If the accident was serious or you have any reason to believe there is a need for an attorney, then you should contact us. We can help you through the legal process of filing a claim and/or help with any other legal matters that are related to your automobile accident.