What To Do At The Scene Of An Accident (Part One)
Accidents are shocking, confusing and disorienting. Of course, no one plans on getting into an accident so most people are not sure what to do after they have been in one. Today we are here to discuss the things that you should be looking out for, what your priorities should be and who you should and shouldn’t talk to. Here at Van Norman Law, we have defended the rights of hundreds of accident victims. We know the best course of action to take following an accident.
1. Look After Yourself
Following an accident, the health and well-being of you and your passengers should be your primary concern. Never do anything that would put you or anyone else in harm’s way. Before you move, try to assess your physical condition. If you are unable to move, stay put. If you have suffered any clear injuries, stay put. If you have not suffered any major injuries, check on your passengers. If everyone is healthy and able to move, exit the car and walk to the sidewalk or the side of the road.
2. Call The Police
Even if you don’t think the accident caused any major injuries, it is of the utmost importance that you call the police. When determining fault, whether for insurance purposes or for a personal injury lawsuit, a police report is one of the most powerful pieces of evidence that you can have. Without it, you may not have any documentation of the accident at all. During the moments immediately following an accident, your judgement may be impaired. You could even be in a state of shock. This could cause you to underestimate the severity of the situation. Always call the authorities. No matter what.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (12/9/24). Photo by Aaron Doucett on Unsplash