Every year, millions of people across the globe get into car accidents. In the event of a wreck, whether that be a small fender-bender or a more serious crash, you may be in too much shock to think clearly. Because of this, you must educate yourself on what to do beforehand. At the scene and thereafter, be sure to do the following:
Assess Injuries
Do not leave the scene of an accident before talking with the other driver and calling the police. The priority is your health and safety, so everything else can wait. Make sure that all parties involved are okay, including yourself, the other driver, and bystanders. Get medical treatment if you or someone else requires it.
Move Vehicle
When it’s safe to do so, move your vehicle out of the way so that another accident is not caused on the roadway. If you are hurt or it’s not safe to move your vehicle, wait until an officer arrives and have them take lead on clearing the scene for you. Keep your hazard lights on and set up flares or reflective triangles so that other drivers know to slow down and watch out for you.
Call Police
You should always call the police after a car accident. If you suspect someone was hurt, inform the 911 operator that an ambulance is needed. Another reason to call the police is so an officer can write a report of the accident, which you can then use for your insurance claim and other purposes. A copy of the police report can be obtained from your local law enforcement office in the days to follow.
As a car accident lawyer in Richmond, VA from Martin Wren, P.C. knows, there are more steps to take after an accident than what was listed above. You must gather evidence, prioritize your injuries, and recruit a lawyer to guide you. You may be entitled to compensation you didn’t realize you could receive.