It’s a sobering statistic: according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are more than 6 million car accidents in the United States every year. That means that if you’re driving, the chances that you’ll be involved in an accident at some point are pretty high.
But even though accidents are common, that does not actually mean they are less scary when they do happen. If you’re involved in a car accident, it’s important to know what to do to keep yourself safe and make sure the situation is resolved as smoothly as possible.
1) Check everyone for injuries
The first thing you should do after a car accident, no matter the surroundings, is to check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone seems to be seriously hurt, call 911 immediately. Even if there don’t seem to be any major injuries, it’s still a good idea to see a doctor as soon as possible after an accident. Sometimes, injuries like whiplash can take a few days to show up.
Also, while you’re checking for injuries, be sure to keep an eye out for anything that might be blocking the road or pose a danger to other drivers. Try and move your car out of the way of traffic if you can, carefully.
Keep in mind that even if you don’t think you’re injured, the adrenaline from being in an accident can mask pain. It’s always better to be safe and get checked out by a doctor just in case.
2) Find a good lawyer
If you’ve been in a car accident, one of the best things you can do for yourself is to find a good lawyer. A good lawyer will help you navigate the legal process and fight for your rights.
You’ll want to find a lawyer who has experience with car accidents and who you feel comfortable working with. If you live in New York, you’ll need to find a lawyer who is familiar with the state’s laws. Similarly, if you’re looking for a car accident lawyer over in Philadelphia, you’ll want to find someone familiar with Pennsylvania’s laws. Keep in mind that each state has its own laws regarding car accidents, so it’s important to find a lawyer who knows the ins and outs of the law in your state.
3) Get the other driver’s information
Next comes an equally important step, exchanging information with the other driver. You’ll want to get their name, contact information, insurance information, and license plate number. If there are witnesses at the scene of the accident, get their names and contact information as well.
If the other driver is unwilling or unable to exchange information with you, don’t worry. You can usually get their insurance information from the police report. Also, if there are any witnesses to the accident, their testimony can be helpful in getting the other driver’s information.
Additionally, if you have a dashcam or other video footage of the accident, be sure to save it. This footage can be very helpful in getting the other driver’s information and proving what happened in the accident.
4) Contact your insurance company
Once you’ve exchanged information with the other driver, you’ll need to contact your own insurance company to let them know about the accident. Your insurance company will then begin the process of dealing with the other driver’s insurance company.
Keep in mind that you should never give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company without first talking to your own insurance company or a lawyer. The other driver’s insurance company will likely try to get you to say something that can be used against you.
Also, keep in mind that insurance companies are in the business of making money, not paying out claims. So, even if you have a valid claim, the insurance company will likely try to lowball you. That’s why it’s so important to have a good lawyer on your side who can fight for the compensation you deserve.
5) Keep track of your expenses
After a car accident, you may have a lot of expenses. You may need to miss work, pay for medical bills, pay for repairs to your car, etc. Be sure to keep track of all of your expenses so that you can get reimbursement from the other driver’s insurance company.
A good way to keep track of your expenses is to create a folder where you can keep all of your receipts, bills, and other documentation. This will make it easier to keep track of your expenses and get reimbursement from the other driver’s insurance company.
6) Keep a journal
It can be helpful to keep a journal after a car accident. In your journal, you can write down your thoughts and feelings about the accident. This can be a helpful way to process what happened and deal with the emotional aftermath of the accident.
Additionally, in your journal, you can track your symptoms and how they change over time. This can be helpful in documenting your injuries and showing how the accident has impacted your life.
If you’re having trouble dealing with the aftermath of a car accident, you may want to seek counseling. A counselor can help you deal with the emotional trauma of the accident and help you develop coping mechanisms. Keep calm and you’ll be on your way to recovery.
If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of being involved in a car accident, there are a few things you should do to protect yourself and make the process easier. First, you’ll want to exchange information with the other driver. You’ll also want to contact your insurance company and keep track of your expenses. Additionally, it can be helpful to keep a journal about how the accident has affected you emotionally and physically. If you’re having trouble coping with the aftermath of the accident, consider seeking counseling. By following these tips, you’ll be on your way to recovering from the car accident. Keep in mind that the most important thing is to stay calm and take care of yourself.
