The Aftermath of a Collision: What to Do After a Car Accident

Do you know what to do after a car accident? From record-keeping to consulting with an attorney, it’s critical that you know what’s next.

Car accidents can be scary. With over 16,000 car accidents per day in the United States, at least you’re not alone.

If you’ve been in a wreck, then hopefully the worst is over. But if you fail to follow up after the accident, your troubles may be just beginning. Read on to learn what to do after a car accident.

Safety First

If you’re in an accident, safety is your top priority. You’ll want to be aware of hazards first—it may look like the accident is over, but there may be more traffic coming. If possible, get your vehicle out of the roadway. If that’s not possible, at least get yourself to safety.

Once in a safe place, call the police. They’ll need to document the details of the collision. They can also help if there are injuries—by providing first aid and calling for an ambulance if necessary.

While you wait for help to arrive, look for injuries to yourself, your passengers, and anyone else involved in the accident. If you don’t see any serious injuries, that doesn’t mean there aren’t any. Some injuries have delayed effects, so remain aware as you wait for first responders.

Keep Records

This is one of the most important things you can do after a vehicle collision. You need to collect records beginning with photographs at the scene of the accident. Some other records to account for include:

• Insurance documents for all parties involved
• The police report
• Photos of things like the cars involved, license plate numbers, road conditions, street signs, and anything unusual—like bad weather
• Contact information for witnesses and anyone else involved in the wreck—particularly the other driver(s)
• License plate numbers

Once you’ve hired an attorney, they’ll help you keep track of these things. But they’ll be more effective at protecting you if you start collecting documents and evidence right away.

Contact Insurance Companies

If you ever have to handle a car accident, you probably won’t be thrilled to deal with your insurance company. But the longer you wait, the more potential problems there are. It’s best to get in touch as soon as you can—and have any relevant records at hand.

Find a Traffic Attorney

Finding a good traffic attorney can make a big difference. As you assess potential lawyers to represent you after a car accident, it’s important to find one with expertise in traffic cases.

Many attorneys can represent you after an accident. But selecting one with specific expertise in car accidents is crucial.

Many car accident lawyers will provide a free consultation. That means you don’t have to settle for the first one you find. Remember: as you talk with potential representation, it’s important to ask questions during the process.

Avoid Panicking by Knowing What to Do After a Car Accident

Traffic collisions can be scary, but knowing what to do after a car accident can help you remain calm. Seeking help from experts will make the whole process much easier while reducing further risk of liability and financial damage.

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