7 Things To Do After An Auto Accident
No one wants to think about being in a Greensboro auto accident. Accidents are stressful, dangerous and costly. But doing a little thinking ahead of time can ensure that, should you find yourself in an accident, you’re prepared. Here are seven things to do after an auto accident.
- Be Prepared. Some of the best things that you can do for an auto accident are done before you even put your car in drive. Keep an emergency kit containing road flares, a first aid kit and other supplies in your trunk and make sure your insurance and registration information can be easily located. Having these little things done ahead of time will provide peace of mind in the stress of an accident.
- Stay Calm. There’s no denying that auto accidents are stressful, but now that you’ve prepped your car with the proper supplies, if you do find yourself in an accident you’ve got a leg up on remaining calm. Take a deep breath and exhale slowly. Keeping your composure is key to properly managing your accident.
- Check for Injuries. Auto accidents are dangerous, it’s that simple. So if you find yourself in one, be sure to check yourself and then all others for injuries. If you or someone else is seriously injured, call 911 immediately. If there are no injuries or only very mild ones, it’s time to further assess the situation.
- Move to Safety. While no one may have been hurt during the accident, it’s possible that you or someone else could be hurt after it by the debris from the accident or even by other drivers. If it’s safe to operate your vehicle, drive it to a safe place nearby. But before doing so take pictures of the scene if at all possible and do not to leave the scene! And if your vehicle is immobilized, get yourself and your passengers to a safe place away from the hazards of the accident and the road.
- Call the Police. If you’re in an auto accident, it’s important to call the police even if the accident is minor in nature. For your own benefit, it’s also best that you refrain from claiming fault for the accident, even if your gut reaction says that you might have been responsible. It’s possible that you’re not at fault, and it’s best to leave judgments of fault to the professionals. Don’t jeopardize your insurance coverage by hastily taking responsibility for something that you might not actually have caused.
- Gather Information & Call Your Insurance Provider. You’ll rightfully want to call your insurance provider after an auto accident. Having the right information at hand will make your claim much easier. Be sure to write down the license plate numbers of all vehicles involved and attempt to exchange insurance information with any other drivers involved in the accident.
- Contact an Attorney. Auto accidents come in all shapes and sizes, from small fender benders to massive pileups. No matter the size or scope of your accident, you want to be sure that you’re doing what’s best for you and your family. If you feel that your needs and rights are in jeopardy or may not be fully recognized, it may be time to contact a personal injury attorney like Garrett, Walker, Aycoth, & Olson. Auto accidents are stressful for everyone, but with the proper legal representation you can leave your stress at the scene and get on with your life.