One of the most stressful and traumatic experiences a person can go through is a car accident. We hope that you never have to go through this misfortune of being involved in one, not even the smallest fender bender. However, in the event that you are in the middle of such an incident, it is important to be aware of the steps you can take to minimize the damage – both to your person and your property.
Such accidents can even lead to wrongful death lawsuits, from medical malpractice to defective products. One of the most common causes of injuries or wrongful death in Tennessee is car accidents.
Safety First
The number of road accidents in the US is expected to dip by next year. However, in the unfortunate event that you are involved in one, the first thing that should be on your mind is your personal safety and that of your passengers. If anyone has suffered injuries, regardless of how minor they seem, call emergency medical services at once.
It is essential for a qualified medic to examine the extent of the injury or injuries as some might not be apparent at first. For example, what seems like a flesh wound may have inner-reaching effects and result in internal bleeding.
The second thing to do is move out of harm’s way. If your vehicle comes to a stop in the middle of oncoming traffic, move it to a side as quickly as possible. If the vehicle is immovable on its own due to the impact, emergency services will have to be called in. However, before anything else, be sure you and your passengers are safely moved to the side of the road.
Before exiting the vehicle, turn on the hazard lights to alert other drivers that your vehicle is damaged and stationary.
The First Phone Call
Be sure to contact the police in the event of an accident. A report from the law enforcement agency creates an official account and record of the incident, which will help you later on if you plan to file a case with your car accident attorneys. Since insurance is an important part of any post-accident scenario, the police report will help support your insurance claim. When the call is made to the police, make sure you provide the person on the other end with as accurate a location as possible, and details of any apparent injuries.
When the police do arrive, ensure that your fullest cooperation is extended. It is important to avoid admitting fault immediately or speculating over what has caused the accident. Make sure that you get the full name and identification/badge number of the officer who is tending to you. Finally, do not forget to ask about the ways in which you can obtain a copy of the police report of your incident.
Exchange Insurance Information
Once the entire scene is secure, make your exchange the complete following information with the other driver or drivers involved.
- Full name and contact details
- Driver’s license number
- Insurance company name and policy number
- License plate number and vehicle details
Just as important as it is to avoid discussing the accident with the police, avoid admitting fault, or discuss details of the accident with the other driver. Keep the information on a need-to-know basis.
Document the Accident
You would be best served to gather as much information about the accident as possible. Take clear photos of the damage and positions of the vehicles involved before they are moved. Also, be sure to take pictures of the immediate surroundings such as traffic or stop signs and overall road conditions.
Also, do try to collect information from witnesses of the accident. Their statements could be crucial for later claims or if any dispute arises over the nature/circumstances of the accident.
Call Insurance
The second phone call you should make is to your insurance provider and report the accident to them. Provide the company with basic details, such as the date, time, location, and information about the other drivers involved.
This will allow the insurer to open a claim and advise you on the next steps to take. If you have a comprehensive insurance plan in place, and the fault is determined as yours, you will have the financial backing of your insurance company to cover the damages of the other party. In addition, the damage to your own vehicle will also be covered.
To ensure that all the documentation is in check, submit a copy of the police report if it is required. Your insurance company may also ask for photos of the damage and copies of any medical records of the injuries suffered in the accident.
Seek Medical Attention
Remember we said that safety comes first? Even if you don’t feel particularly worse for wear after your accident, it is essential to get yourself checked out by a doctor at the first available opportunity. Some injuries, which include the lies of whiplash or internal bleeding, are not immediately apparent, but can potentially lead to illnesses like PTSD due to car accidents. In addition, seeking the help of a medic will create a record of your injuries for future reference, and will also ensure you are given proper treatment. Finally, make sure you follow the ‘doctor’s orders’ as failure to do so could jeopardize insurance claims if the other side argues your injuries were not serious.
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Wrapping Up
Follow these essential steps to ensure that both your person and your property are safe and protected. Staying calm, acting quickly, and thoroughly documenting the incident are key to navigating such a stressful situation. With the right information and support, you can get the compensation you deserve to cover your medical expenses and damage to property.
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