Car accidents can be traumatic and life-changing. Following an accident, there may be steps you want to take to ensure everyone’s best interests are being looked out for. One of the top priorities following accidents is safety and many who are involved in accidents know to get in contact with medical personnel immediately. But what about the other steps you should take? We share insights on the moments after an accident and answer your most asked questions.
What to Do in a Car Accident
The moments following a car accident can be crucial not just for the safety of those involved but for any claims you may seek to file afterward. If you are involved in an accident, it’s important to:
- Stop immediately and move off the road if it is safe to do so.
- Contact authorities and get medical care for those involved in the accident.
- Exchange information with those at the scene of the accident.
- Collect evidence if it is safe to do so.
- Reach out to a personal injury attorney for guidance on the next steps.
How to Exchange Insurance Information
Exchanging information is a crucial step to take in the aftermath of a car accident. Crucial information to obtain from the other parties involved includes their name, address, phone number, driver’s license, and auto insurance.
It is also useful to swap information about the vehicles involved in the accident such as makes, models, and license plate numbers. If there are witnesses at the scene, you can politely ask for their information if they are willing to share.
Who Pays for Towing and Storage After an Accident
Cars damaged or totaled in a car accident must be towed from the scene. Do not expect these expenses to be covered by the city. Instead, it is usually the insurance company of the at-fault driver that will cover the costs associated with this.
This can vary depending on the insurance policy of the drivers involved and whether or not they carry insurance at all. In the case of uninsured motorists, different avenues must be explored to obtain compensation for damages. However, at the end of the day, lawyers like those on the team at DM Injury Law are dedicated to ensuring fair compensation is secured for injured victims.
How to File a Car Accident Report
Contacting the police will ensure that a thorough police report is written and filed regarding the accident.
Officers who arrive at the scene of the accident will collect information from those involved to file their report. When this occurs it’s important to answer the questions that are asked of you and tell the police exactly what happened. You’ll be asked to provide details of the accident as well as your personal information such as your driver’s license and insurance.
Remember to ask for the name and badge number of the officers you talked to. This can make locating the report afterward smoother. If for some reason police are unable to get to the scene of the accident, be sure to exchange information with the other driver and file a report yourself at your local police station.
Learn about what happens next- we share the steps for filing a car accident claim in our blog!
Delayed Symptoms After Car Accident
Seeking medical attention is crucial following an accident even if there are no apparent injuries. Some injuries may not show up until hours after the initial accident and experiencing delayed symptoms can be common. Examples of what you may experience include:
- Headaches
- Soreness
- Pain
- Confusion or Dizziness
- Nausea or Vomiting
- Numbness or Tingling
These are just a few of the many symptoms to keep an eye out for following an accident as they could be an indication of more serious injuries such as concussions, internal bleeding, whiplash, or more. Follow up with your doctor if you notice anything new or different after an accident and learn more about what you can expect emotionally and physically as you recover.
Trust DM Injury Law to Protect Your Rights After an Accident
The sooner you’re able to get in contact with a personal injury attorney, the sooner we can help you get your life back on track. With over a century of collective experience as a team, we know the ins and outs of car accident claims, including when insurance companies are trying to lowball our clients. Having a trusted attorney on your side ensures that your rights and interests are protected. Our team works tirelessly to ensure you get the compensation you deserve- contact us today to get your free consultation.