Car accidents are usually very confusing and people often end up feeling confused after the crash. Awareness of what to do in the initial moments is important not only to ensure the safety of the occupants but also in relation to the legal and insurance procedures that follow.
The actions taken initially play a critical role in determining the events in cases of claims and other legal concerns. From searching the victims bodies for injuries to photographing the scene, you should stay calm and serious. Here is how to do it:
Stay Calm and Check for Injuries
The primary consideration when dealing with a car accident is to make sure nobody gets hurt, yourself and the other party included. Stay calm, then switch off your car’s engine and engage the blinkers. Survey yourself and other persons for injuries. In case of someone being harmed, use the emergency number 911 to seek medical assistance. If anyone is injured seriously, do not attempt to move them as this makes their situation even worse.
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Secure the Scene
After making sure of the safety of all individuals, it is equally important to control access to the site of the accident to avoid more mishaps. If the vehicles are obstructing the traffic flow and are movable, it is advised to move them to the shoulder of the road.
Call the Police
It is imperative that the police be contacted even in minor accidents. A police report is a document that gives a formal account of the occurrence, which is essential in cases where a person needs to seek compensation from an insurance company or if legal concerns come up. When the officers get there, tell the truth about what happened but do not incriminate yourself or accuse the other party. You may also contact a San Bernardino car accident lawyer if you want to be on the safe side.
Exchange Information and Document the Accident
As you wait for the police to arrive, both drivers should interact and swap their information. Make sure contact information consists of the name and address of each party, phone numbers, insurance details, and the license plates of every car connected to the mishap. It is equally important to take note of the make and model of the other vehicle, and its color if possible.
Make sure you employ your smartphone camera to capture images of the two vehicles, especially at the areas of impact and how the vehicles are placed on the road. The traffic signs, traffic light and any marks left on the road should be photographed so as to have a better view of the events leading to the accident.
Inform Your Insurance Provider and Consider Speaking with a San Bernardino Car Accident Lawyer
Once the police have been informed and the scene recorded, the next person you should probably go to is your insurance company. You are to report the accident as soon as possible. Share with them the details that were gathered and any physical findings observed at the scene.
It is also advisable to seek legal help from a San Bernardino car accident lawyer so that you can know your legal rights as well as the repercussions of law in cases of an accident involving property damage and/or injuries. A San Bernardino car accident legal professional will be able to advise on the laws that prevail where the accident happened—to assist you.
