What Should I Do After an Edinburg Car Accident?
According to the National Highway Traffic Administration, about 5.25 million accidents happen each year, meaning a car accident happens every 60 seconds in the U.S. The likelihood of getting in a crash at least once in your life is unfortunately high. That’s what makes it so important that you know what to do if you experience a car accident firsthand.
Being involved in a car accident can be overwhelming, but knowing what to do can help you stay calm and stay safe. Read on to learn about the seven steps you should take after a car accident, and remember you can get more information from our experienced Edinburg car accident lawyers.
1. Check for Serious Injuries
Once the initial shock of the accident has worn off, you will need to determine if anyone involved has been injured. If you are able to do so, you may be legally required to lend aid to injured parties if reasonably possible. In general, do not move injured individuals.
If there are injured parties, call for emergency medical assistance as soon as possible.
2. Stay in Your Vehicle
If you’ve determined that no one has been seriously injured, you will need to move your vehicle out of the line of traffic if it is possible to do so. Be sure to put your hazards on to alert other drivers to slow down. If the crash has been severe and you or the other party are injured, leave the vehicles where they are until the police or trained medical professionals arrive.
However, if your accident occurred on a busy road, and if your vehicle can’t be moved, staying inside your vehicle is your safest option.
Car accidents can escalate when victims leave their cars because they can be struck by debris or other vehicles. It is unfortunately common for victims to survive a crash only to be struck by another car while trying to cross to the side of the road.
3.Call the Police
If the accident is minor, the police may not respond to the scene, but it is critical that you always contact them to receive further instructions. Even if the accident is minor, you will need a police report.
Once the police arrive at the scene, make note of their name, badge number, and contact information for your own documentation. Before they leave, get a copy of the accident report from them. If the police do not respond to the crash, you can request a copy from the police department or insurance company.
4. Gather Evidence and Documentation
After an accident, get the other driver’s information, including their name, address, phone number, and driver’s license number. Make note of their vehicle information including the make, model, year, color, license plate number, and vehicle identification number. If you do not have a pen and paper, you can always take a picture with your phone. If you are injured, ask someone else to help you gather this evidence:
Photos of damages and environment
Police report
Witness identification
Notes on what happened during the crash
In addition, make sure that you get the insurance policy number, as well as the company’s contact information. This ensures that the company is notified if the other party does not do it themselves. If a witness was present, get their contact information and any details they can recall down on paper. The more documentation you have on hand, the easier it will be for insurance companies to get the correct information regarding the accident.
5. Do Not Discuss the Accident With the Other Party
Emotions can run rampant after an accident, and many are quick to point the finger at the other party for responsibility. Once you have made sure everyone is safe, wait in the car or on the side of the road until law enforcement can come and assess. By doing so, you will hopefully be able to avoid altercations that could happen after an accident.
6. Speak to a Lawyer
After a crash, your top priority is to protect your legal rights. The best way to do that is to speak to a lawyer. Even if your accident was a minor, you may wish to take advantage of a free consultation in order to ensure that your rights to compensation are protected. An attorney can further explain these rights to you, as well as your options for filing an insurance claim. A lawyer can even assist you in finding the best place to get your car fixed or get you the proper medical care.
Most importantly, we recommend that you consult with an attorney before speaking to your insurance company. Your insurance adjuster’s job is to use anything you say to justify giving you as little compensation as possible.
7. Contact Your Insurance Company
While some victims might be tempted to settle their accidents themselves with cash,
failing to notify your insurance company about a crash can make you liable for the damages caused by the accident. Plus, car insurance is meant to protect drivers from paying for damages that are the responsibility of or caused by someone else. Failing to settle your accident through your insurance company could lead to further expenses.
Get Help From Car Accident Attorneys at the Law Office of Bobby Garcia
Being in a car accident can cause a shock to your system and leave you wondering what to do next. Being familiar with the next steps you should take can help you stay calm, safe, and legally protected.
For advice on what to do after a car accident, contact the experienced car accident attorneys at the Law Office of Bobby Garcia. We can answer any questions you may have and help you find the next step on the path to financial recovery.