Have you ever had a car accident? First, take a deep breath. Next, follow these six steps to ensure your physical and legal welfare.
First Step: Pause and Value
Stop your vehicle as soon as possible. If possible, pull in a safe, bright and populated location. Put your vehicle into the park, turn off the engine, and turn on the danger lights. Then, take your body stock. Are you hurt? If so, try to move as little as possible.
Step two: Get help
Next, call 911. Even if the accident is small, contact the police. It is important to build documents for future insurance claims. If anyone is injured, tell the telephone operator that you need an ambulance.
In addition, contact a car accident lawyer in Columbia MD. Even if all parties are friendly, the best is to have professional law advice in situations that involve damage to property or injury.
Step three: Collect information
Collect the names and contact information from everyone involved in the accident, including passengers and pedestrians. Record the SIM number and insurance policy information from other drivers. Write down the name and number of the police officers who responded.
To avoid legal complications, never admit mistakes at the scene. Never say that you are not hurt. Many car accident injuries are only clear on days after the accident. Claiming that you “fine” can prevent you from successfully submitting an insurance claim later.
Note that if no one else is present besides those involved in the accident, you must stay in a locked car and wait for the police to arrive. If anyone looks aggressive or confrontative, don’t get involved with them.
Step Four: Document the scene
Take photos of all vehicles affected by the accident. Then, record the license plate number, model, and date of vehicle manufacturing. Finally, record the time and address or name of the road where the accident occurred.
Step five: pause and contemplate
Take a moment to breathe and remember what happened. Create a written note or audio footage from events that lead to, during, and after the accident. Add comments about weather conditions or other factors that might contribute to the accident.
Step six: Submit a claim
You can submit insurance claims at the accident site. If possible, do it. If you feel confused, still submit a claim, and fill in the details later.
Car accidents can be scary, but there is a process in the place to make the consequences run smoothly. Be sure to protect your physical, legal, and financial welfare if you are involved in an accident.