A car accident is a traumatic event. The majority of people will be in a state of shock afterward. They may panic and not be sure what to do.
The steps you take after an accident are crucial for your well-being, the safety of others and your legal rights. Here are some important steps to remember.
Your well-being is the main priority
The first step is to make sure you are as safe as possible. Switch on your hazard warning lights to alert other people around you. Ideally, you should switch your engine off as soon as possible.
If anyone appears injured, call 911. This is generally something that should be done if there is any property damage and it is certainly necessary if there are injuries.
Gathering evidence
Once any potential medical emergencies have been dealt with, you can start thinking about gathering evidence. It’s important that you have the names and contact details of anyone involved. Take note of where the accident happened, the time, the weather conditions, the make and models of each vehicle and registration numbers.
As long as it is safe to do so, you can take photos of the accident scene. Should you forget any details, you can then go back to the pictures to refresh your memory. Pictures can also serve as evidence for the authorities and in court.
What to avoid
If someone is obviously seriously injured, they should not be moved. You should also avoid apologizing. For example, saying something like “I’m so sorry, I didn’t see you”. If the accident was not your fault, and you need to make a personal injury claim, this could work against you.
After a road traffic collision, seeking legal guidance is also a step that should not be overlooked.
