How to Handle a Car Accident Calmly in 5 Steps?
Now that summer is here, a vast majority of Americans are planning a vacation to chill during the warm, sunny months. The most common forms of travel include road-tripping and taking a flight, and then getting a rental once you have reached your destination.
We know vacations are supposed to be fun and we don’t say this to be a killjoy, but car accidents can still happen. If you are involved in a wreck while out of state, accident attorneys reckon the legal proceedings can appear to be doubly as complicated.
In this article, we are going to walk you through the 5 steps you should follow in case such an unfortunate event occurs.
Step #1 Stay Calm and Don’t Panic
On getting into a car accident, your first priority should be to keep the panic at bay and calm down enough that you are able to check yourself and your co-passengers for injuries. Get out of the wreckage and check if the other driver needs help. If anyone is hurt, seek immediate medical attention.
If you are not visibly hurt, we still strongly suggest getting yourself examined by your general practitioner. Sometimes, injuries are internal and don’t show up until later.
Step #2 Call 911 and alert the authorities
Once you have established that no one is in immediate danger, you should call 911. If someone does end up getting hurt, 911 should be able to help with urgent medical care. In case one (or more) of the occupants of the car is trapped underneath the wreckage, firefighters will be dispatched to the scene for extraction.
On arriving at the scene, police officers also make a detailed crash report. It is a crucial piece of evidence to be used in court and insurance claims.
Step #3 Exchange Contact Information
You will also need to exchange the following contact information with the other driver -
● Name
● Address
● Phone Number
● License Plate Number
● Driver’s License Number
● Insurance Company
● Insurance Policy Number
If there are any witnesses, make sure to ask for their contact details as well. It may prove to be useful in case the court requires a witness testimony.
Step #4 Take Picture for Evidence
Make sure to gather photographic records of the accident scene. The images should include pictures of all the vehicles involved in the crash. Take pictures of the damage, positioning and anything else you think might help your accident attorney build a case.
Step #5 Get in Touch with Your Insurance Provider
The next and final thing to do is reach out to your insurance provider and file a claim. Note that insurance premiums rates can alter following the accident. However, it mostly depends on the events of the accident and who is to blame. An accident occurring due to the other driver’s negligence is not likely to affect your premiums but, if you are the one to drive into a post or say a pedestrian, the rates are going to rise for sure.
The West Law Firm - Best of the Best
The accident attorneys at The West Law Firm handle cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay a penny until we recover your rightful compensation for you. We assure you assistance throughout the legal journey. To contact us, drop a line at 405-275-0040 or reach us via email.
** Disclaimer: The above article does not imply a relationship between attorney and client, nor is it legal advice.