Being involved in a car accident is a scary situation and feelings of fear and helplessness can be overwhelming. Take a few deep breaths and try to remain as calm as possible as you navigate through the steps to be taken.
What Not To Do
If anyone is injured make sure to contact a trusted local car accident lawyer at https://www.cellinolaw.com/rochester/car-accident-lawyer/ before considering accepting any settlements from other insurance companies. Lawyers are aware of the tricks of the trade that many insurance companies use to unfairly limit or deny claims. So do not think that the accident was too minor to need a lawyer – get advice as soon as possible. This is an important step in dealing with your accident.
Do not speak to the other driver’s insurance before speaking to a lawyer and never give a recorded or written statement to an insurance adjuster without consulting your attorney.
What to Do First
Take a deep breath and check yourself for injuries. Check any passengers for injuries. Call 911 and the police and wait for assistance but get to safety. Move out of the vehicle if possible but make sure to switch the engine off and the hazards on. Light a road flare to notify others of the accident scene. Do not leave the area. Make sure that medical assistance has been called. This can be notified from your 911 call but make sure you give the operator enough details as to the location and the emergencies experienced: fire, medical emergencies, and traffic hazards.
Wait for Assistance
While waiting for assistance, start taking down the details of the other drivers, passengers, and any witnesses. Make sure you get full names and contact numbers, driver’s license numbers, vehicle license numbers, as well as details about the vehicles. Also, ask for their insurance company name and policy number. The time of day, weather, and traffic conditions are also important considerations to make note of. Also, the type of road where the accident occurred, especially if it is in a construction area.
Take photographs of the accident scene as well as any visible injuries. Call your own auto insurance company to report the accident and get a No-Fault insurance medical claim number. You will need this when you seek medical assistance.
Follow Through
Seek medical assistance and keep a document of all. Provide the doctor with your claim number from your auto insurance. Make sure to point out all aches or pains you may have as not all injuries are immediately obvious and could prove life-threatening if left untreated. Follow through with all treatments recommended by the doctor.
The other driver’s insurance company is sure to contact you immediately after the accident so make sure you have an experienced car accident lawyer protecting your rights. Do not discuss anything with these other companies without first consulting your lawyer. They will also advise you about expenses and ongoing and future care. The repair or replacement of your vehicle will also be discussed with your lawyer as well as any emotional damages suffered. Trust that they have your best interests at heart.