I Just Had a Car Accident, What Should I Do Now?

What are the Important Steps to Take After an Auto Accident?

The first thing you should do after a car crash or automobile accident is call 911. This will ensure that emergency services are aware of your situation and can help you. If you don’t already know where you are, ask someone else who may be able to tell you.

Next, check yourself for injuries. Look at your head, neck, back, arms, legs, and hands. Check your eyes, ears, nose, mouth, teeth, and throat. Check your skin for cuts, scrapes, bruises, burns, and rashes. Check your clothes for tears, holes, stains, and damage.

If you feel dizzy or faint, lie down immediately. Don’t move around too much. Stay calm and quiet. If you are not injured, try to stay awake and alert.

1. Get medical attention as soon as you can. Car accidents often involve violent collisions that contort the body and can cause various injuries. Often, hidden injuries resulting from car accidents catch victims off-guard in the days following an accident. You must seek precautionary medical attention as the effects of hidden injuries such as whiplash, TMJ, and traumatic brain injury can be devastating.
2. Stay away from moving vehicles until they stop. Move slowly and carefully. Avoid standing near traffic. Walk away from the scene of the accident to avoid being hit by passing cars. 
3. Roadways are no place to stand or linger. Pull your car off of the roadway if possible. If not, place your emergency flashing lights on and either remain inside your vehicle or get off to the side of the road.
4. Take note of the license plate numbers of all involved vehicles. Keep this information handy in case you need it later.
5. Take pictures of the accident scene. These photos can be used to show insurance companies how your car was damaged. They might also be helpful to show the judge during trial proceedings.
6. Take notes. Write down everything you remember about the accident. Include details like: time, date, weather conditions, type of vehicle involved, driver’s name, and license plate numbers. Its also good to note any additional property damage such as structures (homes, fences, etc). 
7. Contact your insurance company. Ask them to send out their adjuster to inspect the damages to your car. The insurance adjuster from your insurance provider or insurance agent will likely want to see photographs of the accident scene. He or she will then decide whether or not to pay your claim.
8. If you were injured in a car crash, contact the police immediately. They will take down details of the incident, including the driver’s name and insurance details. The police may ask you to complete a witness statement. This is a formal document that gives information about the collision, who was driving, where it happened, and if anyone else was hurt. It’s important to give this statement as soon as possible after the accident.
9. File a police report. In any situation involving an accident, you need to have a trained police investigator assess the situation. Filing a police report with your account of what happened in the accident is vital in determining who will be held responsible for the crash. Make sure the police officer takes a written statement describing the circumstances surrounding your accident. It is important to write down exactly what happened so that you can prove your case if needed
10. Call an experienced personal injury attorney to advise you in protecting your rights. The Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, will always advise you of these and other steps you should take after an accident when you call us for help. Our office number is (727) 451-6900.

Collect important information

Make sure you take down all relevant details including your name, address, contact number, insurance details, and any medical history. If someone has been injured, call emergency services immediately.

Should I Document the Accident Scene?

If you were injured in the crash, it’s important to document the scene as accurately as possible. This will help police officers determine if any charges should be laid against another driver at fault. It may also help you recover compensation from the insurance company.

When should I call my auto insurance company after an accident?

If you have auto insurance, call them immediately after the accident. They will want to know if anyone was injured and whether any damage occurred. They may ask you to fill out forms so they can file a claim.

Your insurer will send an adjuster to inspect the scene of the crash. The adjuster will take photos and measurements of the vehicle and write down notes about the condition of the road and surrounding area. They may also ask for a copy of the accident report, and if you received medical treatment.

See your doctor

If you’ve had a serious injury, it’s important to see a medical professional immediately. The first thing they will ask you is if you’ve been drinking alcohol, which could affect your blood sugar levels. They may want to take some blood samples to check your electrolytes and glucose levels.

Be proactive after the accident

The best thing you can do right now is to call an ambulance and get yourself checked out at the hospital. If you feel unwell, don’t wait – seek medical attention immediately.

Please contact the Dolman Law Group with any questions you have about what you should do after a car crash. We are here to help. Call our office today at 727-451-6900 or email us at info@dolmanslawgroup.com.