When you own a car, a road accident is the last thing you want to experience. However, it is not always possible to avoid road accidents. Despite the law's declaration of safety and precautions, numerous accidents continue to occur. It is surprising to learn that approximately 1.35 million people die every year due to car accidents. On the other hand, about 20 to 50 million suffer from non-fatality or even long-term disabilities due to car accidents.
The following are some of the leading causes of these accidents:
But the main concern lies with what you do right after a car accident. Most people are so devastated, broken, and confused after such mishaps that they fail to take the right action. However, even a slight delay in action can result in significant complications and hassles down the road. Health, disability, the loss of a driving license, or even a legal dispute could be the source of these problems.
What are the exact steps to take after a terrible car accident?
According to an experienced Brooklyn car accident lawyer, the first suggestion is to stay calm and not panic. Many miss out on the crucial details, the on-spot occurrence, or any witnesses out of rage. A quiet mind will help you note and remember each detail. After that, implement these positive steps to effectively manage the situation.
Check for injuries right away.
Reflexively, determine whether you or anyone else has sustained any damage. Should anyone sustain injuries, promptly summon medical assistance. If the injuries are minor and other passengers are cooperating, simply call the police. If you do this, you can provide the insurance agency with a proper report, avoiding any unnecessary explanation.
Choose a safe area to move to.
If your car is still working, you can drive it off the main road to get some help or to a safer place. It is essential to pull off the areas where other approaching cars can hit your vehicle. In case there are reflective emergency triangles or flares, be mindful enough to warn the other vehicles on the roads. In the worst-case scenario, if there are fire risks, make sure everyone is out of the car and stands away from it.
Gather scene details and document them.
The amount of information or evidence you can provide will determine the outcome of any insurance or legal action. You usually have to share information with accident parties. Your name and insurance details will be enough initially.
Once you've provided the necessary information, it's advisable to cease any unnecessary interaction following the accident. These circumstances often lead to fights and disputes that end poorly. The other party can also end up blaming you falsely out of rage. You should keep your cool until an officer arrives. However, in the interim, here are some details you might want to gather:
There are also certain smartphone applications that you can use to create audio, written, and visual details to capture at that time. You can learn about these precautionary tools from reputable insurance agencies or even PI legal experts.
What insurance coverage will your case demand?
How exactly the insurance procedure shakes out will depend on who is at fault. The outcome also depends on your and the other party's coverage. Thus, if the other party was at fault, the coverage would cover your and your passengers' medical bills and movable property damage.
To make all of the above steps even more comfortable, feel free to seek help from a legal expert. A car accident attorney with specialized knowledge can handle all the communication, paperwork, and representation for you.
You can talk to an experienced car accident lawyer to handle car accidents or any other accidents. Our injury attorneys will stand by your side at every step, from advising you on the best steps to take after an accident and evaluating your case to securing maximum compensation for all your losses.
