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What To Do After A Car Accident -10 Step Guide


  • By: Jill Weikert & Dean Piermattei
  • Published: July 16, 2020
What to Do After a Car Accident -10 Step Guide

“Compass Personal Injury Maximized My Recovery”

My car was struck by a careless truck driver on the highway. I suffered significant injuries and a loss of earnings. Compass Personal Injury maximized my recovery. They did not take any shortcuts. They did an awesome job.

Whether it is a minor fender bender or a significant car wreck, auto accidents can be incredibly unsettling for everyone involved. If you’ve recently been involved in a car crash and are now wondering what to do after a car accident, remaining calm and focused is common advice following a vehicle accident, but that’s often easier said than done.

Having a structured car accident procedure or checklist can help you stay calm and focused. The act of concentrating on a step-by-step process is useful in feeling less disoriented and more confident.

What To Do If You Get Into A Car Accident?

1. Check Yourself For Injuries

Are you injured? First, check yourself for injuries. If you are injured, either call 911 or ask a passenger or bystander to call. If you believe your injuries are serious, wait for help and do not attempt to move.

2. Check Your Passengers For Injuries

Are your passengers injured? If you are OK to move, check on the wellbeing of your passengers. If you believe that anyone is injured, call 911 immediately.

3. Move Your Vehicle

If you are able to, after a car accident, move your vehicle to a safe place away from traffic. Turn your vehicle off and turn your hazard lights on.

4. Call 911

It doesn’t matter if the auto collision was a minor one, it is important to report it to the police. In some states it is a requirement to call the police and having a police report could be critical for your accident claims process.

5. Gather Information

Exchange the necessary information with others involved in the accident.

The data you collect should include:

a. Name and contact information
b. Make, model, and color of other vehicles
c. License plate numbers
d. Driver’s license numbers
e. Description/address of accident location
f. Insurance company information and policy numbers
g. Name and contact information of any eyewitnesses available
h. Take photos of both vehicles if safe/possible

6. Remain Neutral

Even if you believe the car accident was the fault of the other party or parties, now is not the time or place to discuss blame.

7. File A Claim With Your Insurance Company

Once you and your passengers are safe and you’ve collected the necessary information, you should move forward with the car accident claiming process. Do not give a recorded statement to any insurance company until you have retained an accident attorney.

8. Get Roadside Assistance If Necessary

If your car is not drivable, contact a towing company or roadside assistance. If your car is drivable, but you are shaken and not comfortable driving, you may want to check with the police officers regarding how long you can safely wait for someone who can help you move your car away from the accident area.

9. Reassess Your Physical Injuries

If you had immediate injuries, it’s critical that you see a medical professional right away. Some symptoms of accident injuries, like whiplash, can present themselves later. In this case, be sure to get medical attention as soon as other pains or symptoms appear.

10. Contact An Accident Injury Or Personal Injury Lawyer

If you’ve been injured in a local traffic accident, do not hesitate to find an experienced personal injury attorney near Harrisburg to assist with accident claiming. The impact of car accidents can be long-lasting – impact caused by long-term stress, trauma, and potentially serious injuries. Adding to the emotional impact of the accident itself, accident-related lawsuits can become very complex.

Choosing the right personal injury attorney not only ensures you are treated with respect and compassion, but it can also determine the success of your case. Timing can also be a key factor, so act promptly if you’ve been injured in a car wreck or vehicle accident.

When To Get An Attorney For A Car Accident?

The last thing you should be concerned about after being injured through no fault of your own is attempting to manage complex legal matters and deal with insurance companies. You also shouldn’t have to worry about the cost of hiring an attorney to help you get the compensation and benefits you deserve.

The experienced team at Compass Legal Group always guarantees a consultation to learn more about your situation regarding accident help and explain your rights and options. If our team decides to pursue your case following the consultation, there is NEVER a fee unless you receive compensation.

Contact us today to learn more or to get a consultation about your car accident case.

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