Car accidents can be one of the most traumatic experiences a person can experience, causing possibly life-threatening injuries, post-traumatic stress, years of pain, and tragically, sometimes even death/the death of a loved one.
2020 statistics are beginning to show a worrying trend on US roadways. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration published that estimates are showing 38,680 people passed away in MVAs in 2020, a 7.2% increase from 2019. The figure is also the highest for traffic fatalities since 2007. And this is after you recognize that there were significantly fewer drivers on the road last year, due to the pandemic.
With car accident numbers currently so high, it’s unfortunate just how few people are aware of the most significant steps to take after an auto accident. Learning what to do in the event of a car accident now is the best way to prepare yourself and your family, in the event that you ever find yourself the victim of a collision.
What Are the Best Actions to Take After a Car Accident?
Being in an auto accident is stressful, and disorienting, but there are still actions that you should attempt to take, if you are physically able, beginning with what to do immediately after the collision.
Right After the Accident
The first thing you should attempt to do post-collision, as long as you and your vehicle are able, is to pull your car over to the side of the road. Remaining in the roadway can not only impact the flow of traffic, but it could also pose a danger to you, as other drivers attempt to drive by.
Remember to turn on your emergency flashers as well, to alert other cars to your vehicle, and to help police and medical vehicles know which car/people need assistance.
Also, once you have moved your car (if possible), it’s important to move yourself and any members of your family away from the collision, while still remaining at the scene. You don’t want to remain too close to the vehicle, in case it catches on fire, but you also need to remain on the scene to talk with medical personnel and authorities.
After you have achieved these immediate goals, there are still several things to keep in mind.
Call An Ambulance and the Police
If it can be determined that anyone, including yourself, other passengers in your car, the driver or passengers in the other car(s), or any pedestrians have been hurt by the collision, then an ambulance should be dispatched.
Make sure that you are able to provide any information that the dispatcher may require, like your name or other personal information, and especially an approximate location of where you are. If possible, finding out the name of the road, mile markers, or other identifying landmarks that can help paramedics and police find you.
Collect Important Information and Take Photographs
Even if it seems difficult in the moment, you can do yourself a major favor by remembering to collect important information from the other driver, and take photographs of the scene. Remember: Cops don’t always notate everything in the police report, so if possible, get all important details.
When encountering the other driver, it is most important to ask them if they require medical attention, and call for help if they do. If they are alright, try your best to remain calm, because it’s possible that emotions might be running high right now. Calmly provide your contact information, and collect the following information from them:
- Name and contact info
- Insurance company & policy number
- Driver’s license & license plate number
- Make, model, and color of vehicle
You will also want to pull out your cell phone camera and photograph the accident scene, as well as all involved vehicles (from all angles), and any visible injuries on yourself or other passengers. These photos may be incredibly useful for insurance companies, and perhaps even in court.
Call Atlanta Attorney Shequel Ross
It is highly recommended that you contact a personal injury attorney, with experience in auto accident law, as soon as possible, to not only help you determine if you have a possible settlement case; we will help you confidently interact with insurance companies and the police.
She will do everything possible to answer any questions you may have, walk you through the process and ensure that you are appropriately compensated for your pain and suffering.
Call Attorney Shequel Ross today at 855-5-SHE-law or 470-378-1162 to schedule a consultation, or start your case online: https://www.shelawfirm.com/contact.
