Hopefully you will not be involved in a car accident, but if you are, here are some suggestions for after the accident.

 

Here are some things to do after a car accident:

1. Take A Deep Breath

Take some deep breaths and collect your thoughts- everything is going to be okay. We understand that being in a car accident is a traumatic event.

2. Make Sure Everyone Is Safe

Before concerning yourself with the vehicle damages and exchanging insurance information with the other person involved in the accident, check and make sure that all the other parties are safe and unharmed. If someone is injured, call 911 immediately.

3. Call The Police

In most jurisdictions, you are required to report a car accident to the police if the damages to any of the vehicles exceed a certain amount, however, it is usually best to report all accidents to the police. Remain at the scene of the accident until the police arrive.

4. Call Your Insurance Provider

You should report the accident to your insurance company, otherwise your insurance company may not be aware of the accident and unable to assist you.

5. Gather Witnesses

If you are not injured, talk to any bystanders or other drivers who may have witnessed the accident. Make sure you get all the relevant contact information of any witnesses in case you need their statement or other information from them regarding the accident.

6. Take Pictures

Take pictures of the damages to all the vehicles involved in the accident and the scene of the accident. Most people carry cellular phones with cameras which can be used to take pictures. Pictures will help to preserve the evidence of what happened and can help you with the insurance claim. Pictures often serve as evidence if there happens to be any sort of dispute later.

7. Take Notes

This is fairly similar to taking a picture, except you are taking detailed notes of your recollections of the accident and what kind of injuries may have occurred during the collision. Keep in mind that such notes may be available to the other party if your case should end up in court, which is not common.

8. Be Careful Who You Speak To

If the other party’s insurance company contacts you about your injuries, it is best you tell them to contact your attorney. Many times the other party’s insurance company will also contact you about what happened with the accident and regarding the damages to your vehicle. Depending on the circumstances, it may be okay to speak to the other insurance company about these issues, although I recommend that you speak to an attorney first.

9. Get a Lawyer

Always get a lawyer if you have sustained moderate or serious injuries in a car accident. Also, get a lawyer if there is a dispute with your insurance company or the other party’s insurance company. If things start to be come overly complicated, seeking legal help is your best option.

These are some simple steps that can help you when you are involved in a car accident. Feel free to contact us, your local Salt Lake City injury lawyers, for more information.