Let’s face it. You always ask and pray for a safe trip.
However, you don’t hold one’s fate and the ability to prevent accidents from happening entirely.
One of the accidents that might happen on the road is a car accident.
It can be minor to a major car crash, which entails manageable to severe damage to the car and the people inside it.
In fact, in the U.S., although the fatality rate has decreased to 2% for two consecutive years, the decrease isn’t felt because the number is still large.
That’s why, every time you drive and travel, you must always be prepared for the worst-case scenarios, may it be a minor or a major incident.
If you happen – or one of your loved ones – to experience a car accident, you should know your rights and appropriate response to the incident.
Thus, below are things you need to know and do if you get in a car accident.
Never Drive Off
Either it’s a fender bender or a major one, or it’s your fault or not, you should always stop and never drive off from the scene of the accident.
The moment you swiftly drive away from the incident and transpire that it was an actual serious car collision and has injured the driver and passengers, you will be charged with hit and run and suffer a great time behind bars.
Know and Protect Your Rights
After the accident, you must immediately call an attorney and seek guidance.
A Lawyer for car accident is very helpful in knowing and protecting your rights, especially if you are injured.
Moreover, they assure you that all the necessary gathered evidence from the scene is not compromised.
And remember to never immediately give a statement to insurance companies you’re, seek legal counsel from a lawyer first.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Besides the rights you have, you must also seek immediate medical attention when you get in a car accident.
This way, you address any injuries you have acquired from the accident and prevent any further harm if it’s a severe injury.
Secure the Scene
Sometimes, heavy traffic is caused by a car collision.
With that said, you must secure the scene and ask for the traffic patrollers’ help to mediate in the incident and prevent clogging of traffic.
Furthermore, you must not remove the fragments of evidence, including the collided cars’ position, while the policemen are on their way.
Contact the Police
Contacting the police authority is one of the best ways to settle the accident. Their presence stabilizes the commotion and controls the swarming bystanders.
Further, they help you file a police report, which is one of the requirements in claiming your benefits in the insurance company, especially in fixing car damages or medical treatment.
State the Accurate Narrative
When the police arrive and ask you about what happened based on your perspective, provide them with an accurate statement.
With this, they will be able to assess and evaluate and look at who’s to be blamed.
In case you have missed some facts from the incident, don’t alter the situation by providing guessed narratives or speculations.
Instead, just admit that you weren’t able to grasp during the collision.
Photograph the Scene
Taking photos of the scenes in the accident is advised.
It helps you and the authorities assess the situation, especially when traces of skid marks are erased or collide vehicles are placed on the road’s side.
But, remember never to interfere when the investigation is ongoing.
Exchange Essential Information
Keeping your composure amid the accident promotes peaceful and sound discourse between you and the other party.
Furthermore, you must exchange during the dialogue each essential information.
You should obtain the name of the driver and the passengers, address, contact number, and the vehicle’s plate number.
Report the Car Accident to Your Insurance Company
Purchasing health and car insurance is very important because these things might be used in the future.
If you get in a car accident, report the incident to your insurance company. Car insurance helps you fix the damages in your car and other vehicle-related benefits.
Meanwhile, health insurance aids your hospital and medication bills if you have injuries.
Keep Every File
Lastly, you should keep every accident-related file or document and information because these will be useful in claiming your insurance company’s benefits.
It includes all the names of individuals present during the accident, contact numbers, medical bills, etc.
You must keep all of them in storage that will protect them from damage or loss.
Takeaway
In a nutshell, accidents do really happen, especially when you travel.
That’s why safe driving is always a handy yet useful reminder for successful travel.
Moreover, knowing your rights and the things you need to do if you get in a car accident always helps you resolve the problem and arrive at a good agreement with the opposite party.