In the Aftermath Of A Car Accident,

We Can Help

Actions after car crashes

On Behalf of | Jan 25, 2023 | Automobile Accidents

Being involved in a collision with another vehicle can often happen when you least expect. Sometimes these accidents leave people unsure about what to do next. Knowing what to do in these moments can make a huge difference in the potential recovery available to you. Below, we discuss some of the basic things to remember after a crash.

Post-accident steps

After a crash, it’s important for you to collect your thoughts and assess the situation. Are you hurt, or is anyone else in your vehicle in need of immediate medical attention? If so, make sure to call 911 so emergency personnel can arrive to the scene.

If you are able, move your vehicle to the side of the roadway. Other cars may be traveling into the area and may not know that an accident has happened and/or may not be paying close attention to their surroundings and could collide with one of the stopped vehicles, making an already difficult situation even more challenging.

Once you have moved your vehicle, you may wish to exchange insurance information with the other driver. Be careful what you say during these conversations – even something as seemingly innocuous as “I didn’t have time to stop” could potentially threaten your claim, as the other motorist may try to claim that you were not paying attention at the time of the crash.

If the other motorist is combative, do not engage in discussions until law enforcement has arrived. Get as much information about the other vehicle as possible. Take photos of the vehicle, license plate, auto insurance card, and the driver, if you can do so safety. This could be very important information to have if your claim is contested in future legal proceedings.

After you have left the scene

Once the scene has been cleared, make sure you see a doctor. This is important because injuries can sometimes take a while to show symptoms. Even serious injuries, such as a TBI, might not be readily apparently immediately after a crash. A thorough exam can connect these injuries to the crash, which can be extremely important to your claim.

You will also need to be sure you have notified your insurer of the the motor vehicle accidents. Provide them with the necessary information but remember that the insurance company is not necessarily looking out for your interests. Unfortunately, an insurance company may slow the process or attempt to settle for an unreasonably low amount. Effective negotiations that present compelling evidence could lead to a better settlement offer. If you’ve been involved in an auto collision and want to know your rights and options, please do not hesitate to contact The Law Office of Aman N. Shah today for a free consultation.