Even if you’re careful enough, vehicular accidents can happen when you least expect them, and they’re often challenging to deal with. However, it would do you a world of good to be aware of what you have to do should you be get into one.

When a collision results in injuries, costly damage to the vehicles, or both, it’s advisable to employ the services of a personal injury attorney. In doing so, you’ll receive assistance from a legal professional who can work out a fair settlement and serve as your spokesperson if your case goes to trial. But prior to that, here are the most crucial steps to take if you’re involved in a vehicular accident:

1. Stay Calm At The Site Of The Accident

The site of the vehicular accident can be stressful or frightening, especially if it’s your first time being in that sort of situation. After a collision, you should pull to the side of the road if possible and call 911 to notify the authorities.

If you or anyone else involved in the accident sustains any form of injury, seek immediate medical treatment. You should document the site of the accident only if you can do so safely. The task includes taking photos of the vehicles involved.

Take note of the other driver’s and witnesses’ essential personal information such as their names, addresses, and telephone numbers. Additionally, obtain the other vehicle’s make, model, license plate number, and color. You need to exchange insurance details with the other driver or drivers as well.

2. File An Accident Report

The police who’ll arrive at the site should file an accident report. If they’re unable to do so for one reason or another, you should file it yourself. In some states, you need to be the one to report the accident depending on the circumstances.

Some states will require a report if a person sustains both minor and severe injuries, there’s property damage, or the motorist lacks insurance. You have the option to file an accident report with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and your insurance company. All the details about the accident that you can manage to remember and record will be helpful.

3. File A Claim With Your Insurance Provider

The expenses for car repairs and medical bills will add up rapidly after the accident. If your injuries require a lot of time to heal, you may not be able to go back to work immediately, and you might end up depleting your savings. Therefore, it’s important to file a claim with your insurance provider as soon as possible.

4. Secure Your Documents

You have to keep accident-related documents and photos safe at all times since you’ll be needing them later on. If you stay organized early on in the process, you’ll save time as well.

But why hire a personal injury attorney for your case, you ask? One of the tasks that a personal injury attorney will tackle is assisting you in collecting evidence. Here’s what you need to gather throughout the process:

• Photos: These are of the accident scene, injuries before and after treatment, and any damage to the vehicles.
• Witnesses: List the names and contact details of bystanders who might have seen the accident.
• Police report number: You can obtain this number from the police on the accident scene or get it from the police department that responded to the scene.
• Medical records and bills: These serve as proof of injury along with the associated costs during treatment.
• Insurance information of the other party: This is essential in case your attorney needs further details about the accident or if you know that the other person is at fault and would like to file a claim with their insurance provider.

5. Work With An Attorney

If you get yourself in a serious auto accident, it can be difficult to handle if it results in life-altering injuries or even death. Working with an attorney can help lessen your burden. However, make sure that you’ll choose a reputable one.

It’s crucial to note that there are time limits to filing a lawsuit. A personal injury attorney will help you determine the statute of limitations for your specific case and monitor the case timeline for you.

The insurance provider of the other party might request a statement soon after the accident. At this point, avoid providing any information or discussing anything about the accident. Only give them the name and contact details of your attorney.

Although it might be tempting to share your experience or vent your frustrations on social media, any public post you create can negatively affect the outcome of your case. In addition, the other party might use anything you say online against you, so it’s best to keep your thoughts to yourself until your case is settled.

Conclusion

Being involved in a vehicular accident can be a frustrating experience. If you want to make the process more manageable, you should familiarize yourself with the initial steps to take after an auto accident. Also, remember that you don’t have to take on the entire situation by yourself. With a reliable personal injury attorney on your side, you can have more time to focus on healing and getting back on your feet.