You’re stopped at a stop sign, then suddenly, slam! You’ve been rear-ended. What do you do now? Your mind is probably reeling. Do you exchange insurance information and drive away? Do you call the police? Do you call a lawyer ASAP? While you should start researching accident lawyers (abogados de accidentes) in the near future, there are other steps to take immediately after any car accident.
What Steps Should You Take Immediately After a Car Accident?
Head Somewhere Safe
After an accident, move to a safer nearby location if there’s traffic around you. Head to the emergency lane or enter a parking lot very close to the accident scene, and make sure the other driver/drivers involved in the accident move to the same safe place.
Exchange Information
Exchange information with the other driver(s) while you’re at the scene of the accident, as this is a legal requirement. However, don’t get too chatty with the other driver(s). Discussing what happened to cause the accident is unwise, as it may interfere with your case later if you’re not at fault for what happened.
Call the Police
The police need to be informed of any motor accident that occurs, as they need to make a Crash Report. This report will have your contact information and insurance information in it. The responding officer will also investigate the accident and determine what may have caused it. They may also form an opinion of who was at fault for the accident.
Provide as much information as you can when speaking to the police, as the information in the report may help you later. However, don’t admit to fault even if you think you caused the accident.
Collect Evidence
Take some photos and videos of the accident scene, as these may be used as evidence if you seek compensation for your damages later. Get photos that show the damage done to your car and document any injuries that the accident caused. If there are marks on the road caused by the accident, then take a picture of those, too. Only take photos and videos if you’re not too injured and if the scene isn’t hazardous.
Get Medical Help
Even if you feel fine and only have a few cuts and bruises, get some medical attention. You could have whiplash or internal injuries. More serious injuries need to be addressed ASAP at the nearest hospital.
Call Your Insurance Company
Your insurance company needs to know about the accident as soon as possible. Make sure you report it to them within the first few days after the accident. Don’t contact the other driver’s insurance company.
Start Researching Car Accident Lawyers/Abogados de Accidentes
Once you’ve received medical treatment, it’s time to find a lawyer. Click here to get in touch with a law firm that has both English and Spanish-speaking lawyers. You need a lawyer by your side no matter what.
Start Recording Everything
Help your lawyer out by recording everything. Write down anything you remember about what happened during the accident, write down details about your medical treatment, and keep a diary going forward. Anything that happens now could be used as evidence in your case if you are entitled to compensation.
After a car accident, you need to call the police and seek medical attention straight away. Inform your insurance company of the accident as soon as possible. After that, start searching for an experienced car accident lawyer.