According to the US Census Bureau, about 10 million car wrecks take place every year. The odds are good that, sooner or later, you’ll be involved in an accident. But what should you do right after it happens?
At Crowdes Legal, we have years of experience in numerous legal fields, including personal injury law. The moment that the car crash happens, it’s understandably hard to keep everything straight. Take a deep breath, relax, and read on for the steps you can take to protect yourself.
- Immediately pull over and call 911. Calling the police is critically important, even if nobody seems to be hurt. Also, be sure to turn on your car’s hazard lights to alert other drivers.
- Always exchange car insurance information. Your insurance company and the other driver’s insurance company will need each other’s contact information to decide who pays for the damages.
- Make sure you get a police report. The police officer that files the report will act as a neutral party. This impartiality is key, particularly if you need to file a suit, it will be your word against the other person.
- Take pictures of everything. This can be helpful if you know this accident wasn’t your fault but you need to prove it. Today’s smartphones offer high-definition cameras. When it comes to damage or injuries, numerous clear images can be far more compelling than a memory.
Finally, if you think you need legal representation, or simply have questions, don’t hesitate to contact us.
