The Ultimate Guide on What to Do After A Car Accident
After a car accident, it’s normal to feel shaken up and uncertain of what to do next. But don’t worry, Vititoe Law Group, a Westlake Village car accident lawyer, has you covered. This ultimate guide will tell you everything you need to know about what to do after a car accident. Everything from dealing with the police to filing an insurance claim. Keep reading to learn more about what to do after a car accident.
Assess Your Injuries
Assessing injuries and getting to a safe location after a car accident is one of the most important steps in protecting yourself from further harm. First and foremost, you should always check yourself, as well as your passengers, for any injuries. If you are able to move without enduring extreme pain or discomfort, it is important to move your vehicle.
Get To a Safe Location
After you assess your injuries, you will want to move to a safe location. It’s important to move your vehicle out of the roadway and onto the shoulder. If you are in a local area a parking lot away from traffic is also safe. This is crucial for getting help to arrive quickly. Additionally, it prevents further injury by ensuring that no other vehicles will hit you while stationary. It is also wise to check on nearby motorists and pedestrians who may have been involved in the crash. Before exiting the vehicle, turn on your hazard lights. Be sure to check for any hazards such as leaking fluids or broken glass that could cause additional injury.
Call The Police to File a Report
Filing a police report is an important step to take in the event of a crime or unusual situation. Calling the police provides an easy way to officially document the details of what happened. If the police respond when you call, provide enough information so that they can determine what type of report needs to be filed. You will need this report when going to file a claim.
Take photos of the damage to both vehicles involved in the accident
Taking photos of the damage to the two cars involved in an accident is a crucial step in any accident claim. Photos can provide a clear visual representation of the impact that was sustained and create a reference point for all parties involved. Since it’s often difficult to note every detail at the site of an accident, it’s important to capture as much information as possible. So when you’re in the middle of an accident, save yourself some stress later on by snapping pictures of both vehicles. That will give you more detailed records for your responsible insurance company.
Exchange Insurance Information With The Other Driver Involved
It’s important to exchange insurance information with the other driver involved in an accident. Doing so not only creates a sense of accountability, but it also ensures that everyone gets a fair outcome. Without this information, nobody can be sure exactly who was responsible for the accident, nor will there be proof of any insurance coverage claims. While this may seem like an unnecessary extra step in your already stressful situation, taking care of it right away can save you from hassles down the line and provide peace of mind for both parties. So grab those cards and get those details exchanged — it’ll only take a few minutes!
Gather Witness Information
Gathering witness information after a car accident is an important step. This helps to understand what happened and collect testimonials from those who were present at the time of the incident. Witness testimony can be invaluable in instances where liability is questioned, or when the details of how it exactly occurred are unclear. Collecting evidence such as photographs or videos that the witness may have. Typically bystanders will take photos with their mobile device. This documentation can also help provide additional detail and accuracy on the sequence of events leading up to and during the crash.
Seek Medical Attention if Necessary
Checking for injuries after an incident is important. Even if you feel okay immediately after, it’s best to proactively evaluate yourself and monitor any changes over 24-48 hours. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. Sometimes there are delayed injuries that may not be apparent right away. If you have any doubt about the severity of your injuries or changes in your condition, seek medical attention right away. Many medical professionals often advise that if even a mild headache persists past two days, it’s important to get checked out. Don’t wait until it’s too late; taking preemptive measures could prevent future complications so don’t hesitate.
Contact a Westlake Village Car Accident Lawyer
It’s important to recognize that whenever complex legal issues are involved, it pays to seek out professional guidance. Consulting with qualified car accident lawyer, like Vititoe Law Group, can give you the assurance that your interests are properly represented. Plus, having a skilled lawyer on your side can help ensure that all of the technical nuances of the law are addressed.
If you have been injured in an accident it is important that you contact a Westlake Village personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Since there are deadlines as to when you can file a claim. Vititoe Law Group can help you obtain the maximum compensation for your injuries and damages. We have your best interest at heart and truly care about you and your recovery. We will focus on the claims while you focus on recovery.
OVER $1 BILLION RECOVERED IN PERSONAL INJURY CASES
Vititoe Law Group is a nationally recognized Law Firm, founded by James W. Vititoe, a Westlake Village Personal Injury Lawyer.
Over the past 30 years award winning attorney James W. Vititoe and his team of lawyers have been involved in cases resulting in settlements of over $1 Billion dollars.
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