About 6 million car accidents occur in the US annually. Most of them are only property damages. But one in three actually do cause personal injuries.
It is important to know, what to do as soon as the accident happens so you are prepared. Obviously, you are hoping that it never happens to you. Unfortunately, we deal with a car accident here in the office. And they happen, it is what it is and these are thing you need to do.
The number one thing that you have to do is, STOP, don’t ever leave the scene of an accident #
Even if it’s just a minor accident. The second thing that you can do is, and obviously, some of these only apply if you are not seriously injured. If you can do them if you are injured just wait for medical help to arrive.
The number two thing is to protect the scene, make sure that no oncoming accidents, traffic will be involved in the same accident. #
Number three, call the police. #
Even if it is a minor accident one of things you need to do, call them. Sometimes your insurance company will want a police report and they’re going to give you trouble if you did not call the police. I’ve had a lot of issues when people do not call the police.
Make an accurate record. When the police arrived, make sure you tell them exactly what happened as far as you know.
Do not speculate on anything, don’t admit say hey it is my fault or and of that.
If you are able, and most of us carry a cellphone around, take pictures. Take pictures of a car, pictures of a car accident scene, pictures of the intersection. Whatever you can, take pictures of. They may be useful down the road. Exchange information, this is one of the important things. Get the names of the driver of the other vehicle. Get names and contact information of any witnesses that may have seen the accident.
Report the accident to your insurance company, and tell them what happened. They are gonna make a determination as to how they want to proceed with that. If you are injured, seek medical care. So many people just do not seek medical help that they need.
They are trying to tough it out, it’s gonna go away. And in a month later they’re forced to go to a doctor. And the insurance company is gonna say; well because of the gap in treatment we are not going to honour these injuries.
Keep a file of all things that happened from the day of a car accident. One of the most important things you need to do is to seek help from an attorney.
If you have any other questions for me, call me at 314-352-6800. Thank you!
Bajric & Ramic Law Office
Nedim Ramic – Auto Accident Lawyer – Personal Injury Attorney
