A car accident can be one of life’s most stressful events. In the United States, an accident occurs every 10 seconds. Tragically, over 1 million people lose their lives in car wrecks each year. With such alarmingly high statistics, it’s beneficial to know exactly how to handle an accident.
Here are the steps you should take immediately after an accident:
1. Move to a Safe Area – It’s best to stay calm and assess your situation, especially if you’re involved in a truck accident. Minor accidents can still have complicated legal implications, particularly with larger vehicles like trucks. If you aren’t injured and the accident was minor, it’s advisable to move the vehicles out of traffic to a safe location. During this time, consulting a truck accident attorney can be an important step to protect your rights and ensure any potential claims are handled properly.
2. Check on Yourself and others Involved – Check to see if you or anyone involved, including passengers and pedestrians, need medical attention. Even minor symptoms, such as dizziness or muscle aches, should be assessed by a medical professional.
3. Call the Police – Even if the accident is minor, it’s important to contact the police. Furthermore, their report will come in handy when dealing with your insurance company.
4. Exchange Information – Write down the names of the other driver and passengers, license plate numbers, and insurance information. Also, make note of the date, time and location. Ultimately, the more information you can gather the better. Get contact information from any witnesses and write down the names of the police officers that arrive on the scene.
5. See if there are any witnesses – Get contact information from any witnesses including name, address and telephone numbers when possible.
6. Document the Scene – Take pictures and video, if possible, of the damage to the cars and scene of the accident. Actually, the more the better. They will be helpful when dealing with your insurance company. Remember, a camera phone can be very valuable in collecting photographs of insurance information, vehicle license plates, driver’s licenses, property damage and the location of the vehicles on the roadway.
7. Contact Your Insurance – Check your insurance card and contact your agent. Make sure to closely review your policy so you make sure you’re getting the proper assistance. Also remember, nobody plans to have an accident. In fact, it is never too early to check the coverages provided in your insurance policy. It is best to maintain Full Tort coverage (“Full Coverage” is not the same as Full Tort) as well as Uninsured Motorist and Underinsured Motorist benefits.
Furthermore, if you’re injured due to the other driver’s negligence you should contact a car accident lawyer. Above all, insurance companies only have their best interests in mind. They will do their best to settle with as little compensation as possible. The Cochran Firm Philadelphia will fight for you to give you the settlement you deserve. Call us today. 800-969- 4400