Whether you of the victim of a car accident or some other type of incident, there are several steps you should take to ensure your safety and to prepare yourself for possible legal action. Any aftermath of a car accident, sometimes you experienced shock or disorientation, making it difficult to know what to do next.
Step 1: Move The Vehicles/Dangers Out Of The Way
Even if your accident happened on a slow country road, make the effort to move any vehicles out of the line of future traffic, if possible. If victims are able to move, try to get them to the side of the road and make sure that you set up markers for other drivers to see. This will help reduce any further accidents or pileups. Once you have moved to vehicles or other dangers out of the way, check the physical status of everyone involved in the accident. Contact law enforcement and medical assistance immediately, even if people are not sure whether they have been injured in the accident. Sometimes, injuries like concussions may not appear right away.
Step 2: Exchange Information
After an accident has occurred, it’s necessary to exchange information with other drivers involved. Make sure to get their name, contact address, phone number, and insurance details. If possible, refrain from discussing the accident itself. Emotions tend to run high after a car accident, and you’re better off leaving the conversation about accident details up to your lawyers and the insurance carrier. Get a police report if you are able to.
Step 3: Contact An Attorney
Contacting a licensed attorney can be a wise preemptive move on your part, even if it doesn’t appear like the other party will pursue you legally. Contact an attorney to discuss your individual case and learn about your rights as well as possible next steps for legal action. An attorney can help to represent your side of the story and ensure that you get the compensation you deserve. There’s no harm in contacting an attorney, since you are not obligated to work with one. Speaking with a lawyer, however, can often help to relieve many of the common concerns associated with the ramifications of a car accident.