Car accidents happen, and sometimes there is nothing that you can do because it may not necessarily be your fault. If you ever get in a car accident, you have to act responsibly. Granted, at the moment the shock may prevent you from thinking and acting rationally, Even if you think there isn’t any damage, you should still stop when you collide with something.
How to Deal with The Aftermath of A Car Accident
You should keep in mind to never admit any responsibility for the accident, and let your attorney and insurance company take care of everything. Keep reading to find out more about how to deal with the aftermath of a car accident in a responsible way.
Check for Injuries
If you have other passengers in the car, make sure that they aren’t injured as well. If they are, and they need immediate help, ask a bystander to lend you a hand then quickly call the emergency services.
Protect The Scene and Call The Police
If you aren’t injured or have a minor injury and can move, then you should protect the scene of the accident to prevent any further accidents. You can keep your flashers on, or set up flares, and if it is dark and your lights aren’t working turn your flashlight on to keep you safe until help arrives.
Whether you have an injury or not, you should call the police even if you think there is nothing serious. Make sure that you tell the police exactly what happened, and if there is something that you aren’t sure about, don’t make any speculations. It is important to have a legal report so you can file a claim with your insurance company, even if just to make a claim for the damage done to your vehicle.
Consult with Your Lawyer
Consulting a lawyer is probably the most important thing that you should do after an accident. It is better to let an experienced car accident attorney handle everything for you. If the accident isn’t your fault, then you deserve to be compensated.
You may also need help with your insurance company, and according to a car accident lawyer in Sevierville, many insurance companies may deny your claims for compensation, or pressure you into accepting a small settlement. This is why you need a car accident lawyer to prevent the insurance company from taking advantage of you. An attorney won’t only protect your legal rights but will also make sure that your evidence isn’t destroyed.
Take Pictures and Exchange Information
You should take pictures of the scene of the accident, and of the visible damages on the vehicles. You should also photograph your injuries if you have any. It is important to exchange information by obtaining the names, addresses, and phone numbers of all the people involved. If the police arrived at the scene of the accident, ask the investigator for the police report number.
Notify Your Insurance Company
You should ask your insurance company if your insurance coverage includes medical benefits. There is something in your insurance called med-pay coverage that you pay extra for, so make sure to use it. If you have this kind of coverage then you should send your accident-related medical bills to your insurance company.
Car accidents are never a pleasant situation; you or other passengers in the car could be injured, and there are always damages to the vehicle, not to move if there are any injuries, call the emergency services and the police, protect the scene to prevent more accidents, take pictures, and exchange information. Last but not least, you have to contact your lawyer and notify your insurance company to protect your rights.