According to a recent study, 77% of drivers have been in a car accident at least once in their lifetimes. It happens quite rarely but you need to be ready for any situation in order to remain calm and minimize your costs. Even the most skilled and vigilant drivers aren’t safe from a car crash, so everyone should be fully prepared for any inconvenience.
In this article, we’ll follow a simple but thorough step-by-step guide that you’ll need in case of a car accident.
Check Yourself and Others for Injuries
The moment you realize that you’ve been in a car accident stop the vehicle and make sure you’re not seriously injured. Assess your wounds, if any, and only then check other people for their injuries. Remember that your safety comes first just like you put your mask on in an airplane before helping others.
If you’re uninjured get to safety but if you’re wounded, don’t take any risks, stay in the car and proceed calmly.
Secure the Road
If you’re uninjured think about securing the road for other cars and bystanders.
Remember not to move your car in case your car insurance company requires you so, but try to warn the coming cars by turning on the headlamps and the emergency lights.
However, if you don’t have insurance or it doesn’t require you not to move, it’s always best to park your car in a safer place before the police arrive.
Call 911
Call the emergency services or ask bystanders to do it if you can’t find the phone. No matter the severity of the accident, it’s always advised to call for help. So, whether it’s a minor scratch or a serious collision, don’t hesitate to call 911 (or other emergency numbers depending on your location).
Other than your own security purposes and medical assistance, you’ll need a police report for your insurance company so make sure to file a report to the police.
Write down the police officer’s name and contact information, also don’t forget to get a copy of the police report or request the copy for later. If you are concerned about litigation should contact lawyers Perth for legal assistance.
Collect Information
It’s vital to collect all the important information about other participants of the accident. You never know if the other driver is going to flee the scene, so better be ready for any possibility and get as much information as possible.
The most important details are:
- Name of the Driver(s)
- Their license plate(s)
- Phone number(s)
- Insurance company (if any)
- Color and model of their car(s)
Exchange information with other drivers and bystanders who you might need in the future as witnesses. Avoid accusing anyone with the cause of the accident as you’ll have plenty of time to defend yourself in the police and will probably only cause a stir.
Document the Accident
Start documenting the scene to get through the process swiftly.
- Document the damage to your car. Take pictures and make notes of the damaged parts.
- Document the damage of other vehicles.
- Write down the exact address and time of the accident.
- Take notes about the weather, road conditions, and any other factors that were relevant for creating an unsafe road for driving.
Contact Your Car Insurance
It doesn’t matter if you caused the accident, you should always call your car insurance company as fast as you can after the crash. They’ll deal with the compensations and car examinations, all you need is the information about the crash and the police report copy.
Once you notify your car insurance firm that you’ve been in an accident you can begin the claim process.
It’s preferable to call the insurance straight away from the crash scene so that they remind you of all the details that are needed for the claim. You might be confused or shocked after the accident and may not remember everything.
Even if you’re not going to make a claim it’s important to call your insurance company, so that the other driver won’t make a claim without your knowledge.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
Car insurance will take care of your property damages and costs but what to do if you’re injured?
In case of any injuries in a car accident, you will need a personal injury lawyer who will take care of the legal processes and help you claim compensation for medical bills and supplies as soon as possible. Many people who need an excellent lawyer contact car accident lawyer Perth for help. Especially, if your injuries are serious and require medical treatment or even a surgery. Even if your case will have to undergo the court, which is not that often, you’ll be fully prepared.
You can meet the lawyer at a place and time of your convenience to start the process and provide all the necessary information for the lawyer.
It’s often hard to keep control of such legal matters, especially after an accident. Having a reliable person who will assist you is recommended. There may be lots of important details that you may overlook so trusting your compensation to a personal lawyer will definitely increase chances of winning the case with a proper deal.
Visit your Doctor
If you didn’t have any injuries or any kind of complications it’s still advised to see a doctor. There may be some bruises, hidden head or back traumas that don’t show any signs yet. Given the risks on the road it is always wise to have wills Perth lawyers assist you in preparing a Will.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know all the important steps you need to take after a car accident you’re prepared for such situations and will quickly manage all the problems instead of staying confused and missing some vital details.
Get all the necessary information from every involved party and calmly wait for the police. Call your insurance company, they’ll navigate you and remind you all the essential documents you’ll need to file a claim.
Leave the negotiation part of the injury compensation to a professional personal injury lawyer to maximize your chances and benefits.