What should you do in the immediate aftermath of a car accident? It is a simple question with an obvious answer (or answers). But it can be very chaotic and stressful when you are at that moment. So much so that an average person who may have an idea of what he or she is supposed to do when they are in a car accident ends up not acting on those thoughts. Instead, they panic and make things worse.
- So today, let’s talk about what you should do and avoid after you get into a car accident.
- The first is to stay at the scene. This seems obvious now, but some people panic and flee the scene of an accident. Don’t do this: it turns your accident into a criminal act.
- Once you have remained at the scene, check on the other people involved in the crash. Call 911 if necessary and help out as best you can.
- If you can, you should gather information from the accident scene. Take photos with your cellphone and talk to witnesses, if there were any. If there were, ask them if they are comfortable making a statement about the crash.
- You’ll need to exchange information with the other people involved in the crash, and then you will need to contact your car insurance provider to inform them of the crash. After that, you can rent a non-my-fault car until the case is solved.
5 Important Steps To Take If You’re A Victim Of A Car Accident
Hit-and-runs are more common than you might think. In Los Angeles County alone, someone becomes a victim of a hit-and-run approximately once every 18 minutes, according to data from 2015. Even if you’re fortunate enough to never have been involved in a hit-and-run, you should still know what to do if it happens.
Follow these steps to avoid jeopardizing your rights:
- Call the police: It’s a criminal offense in California to leave the scene of an accident involving property damage or injury without providing all information on your driver’s license and insurance information, regardless of who was at fault. By reporting the accident, you’re not only creating valuable documentation that can help prove your claim later on, but you’re also enlisting law enforcement resources to investigate the accident and hopefully hold the culprit accountable.
- Write down anything you remember: Memories fade quickly, and your attention will get pulled in many different directions in the chaos after an accident. It’s essential to take a moment early on and try to remember anything you can about the other vehicle. Even if you didn’t glimpse the driver or license plate, information such as the vehicle type, color, make, and condition could prove extremely useful.
- Take photos of the scene and the damages: If you can, capture as many detailed images as possible. Examining the photos later may reveal clues about the other driver. Photos can also help you with your accident claim.
- Get medical attention: This is your top priority after an accident. Even if you feel fine, the adrenaline and shock of the accident could be masking severe injuries. You also want to have a record documenting any damages.
- Talk to an attorney: Hit-and-run cases are more complicated than other accidents. If law enforcement efforts and a private investigation prove fruitless, you may have insurance coverage through the uninsured motorist provision of your insurance policy. The sooner you involve a knowledgeable car accident attorney in Bend, Oregon, the better.
Getting into an accident is difficult enough. It’s all the more stressful when the other driver tries to escape responsibility. By following these steps, however, you can maximize your chances of obtaining a favorable outcome.
Claim your compensation for a car accident today by calling our personal injury attorney from the Los Angeles offices at 310-997-0904 or fill out this contact form for a free case evaluation.
