Typically, the holiday season has its fair share of collisions, mostly caused by impaired or distracted driving. We get asked all the time, "What should you do if you're in a car accident?" When it happens, injuries may be severe and emotions high. However, there are important things to do at the scene of the accident and soon afterward that can be easily forgotten.
Below is a list of things to do after an accident. Keep this information handy by printing this list of to-do's after a car accident and storing it in your car.
Accident Checklist:
- Call 911 or your local police department and insist on accident report.
- If possible, put your hazard lights on and be very careful if you attempt to get out of the car.
- Do not move your car unless you are required to or it is unsafe (Moving the car could make it harder for the officers to determine who was at fault).
- If you need to move your car due to traffic safety and it's possible, take pictures of the crash first (your car and the other cars involved).
- Ask the police officers at the scene for the insurance information for the person who hit you.
- Ask for any details and info from any witnesses present at the scene.
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention. Even if you are unsure if you are injured, you may be in shock and your injuries may not be apparent yet. Many people go immediately to the ER or their primary care doctor.
- Call your personal injury lawyer and get guidance (404) 436-1529.
- Take pictures of any visible injuries you may have, including, bruises, cuts, "seatbelt burns", swelling, etc. Once they heal, you will not have the opportunity to document this evidence.
- After you are seen by a medical professional, follow their follow-up care recommendations. If they refer you to another physician, be sure to go.
- Do not give a recorded statement to the at-fault insurance company. You are under no duty to give a statement to the at-fault insurance company if you did not cause the crash. They could manipulate the things you say to make it look like you were either at fault in some way or not injured.
- Let your personal injury attorney handle the insurance companies.There are many different things you likely do not know that could help or harm your case; including what types of coverages you have on your own car insurance or health insurance, the driving history of the person who hit you, how the details of the police report play into your claim, how prior collisions or injuries you've had could impact your recovery, etc.