Here’s a harsh truth. Even when you go out of your way to be a safe and responsible driver, there’s a chance you could get involved in a roadside accident. After all, there are an estimated 2 million roadside accidents in the US each year.
As such, knowing what to do in the aftermath of an accident is crucial, which is where this guide comes in. Read on to find out more!
Seek out medical attention for yourself and others. In the aftermath of an accident, a million different thoughts will be running through your mind about what to do next. However, getting medical help should be your number one priority, even if you feel relatively unscathed. Contact the relevant emergency services as quickly as you can, and wait for help to come your way.
You should also make sure those around you are okay and be prepared to offer assistance if necessary, such as basic first aid. If you find yourself in a life-threatening situation, emergency services will be able to provide you with advice on what to do or how to help over the phone. It is important that you remain as calm as possible and follow their instructions as closely as you can.
Gather evidence. Gathering evidence is also important in the aftermath of an accident. This is because it will help you to manage your finances better, as everything from insurance claims to seeking out compensation will be made a little easier. This is because you’ll have tangible evidence that showcases the severity of the accident itself. Permissible evidence in the case of car accidents includes:
- Photographs of the vehicles involved
- Photographs of injuries sustained
- Dashcam or CCTV footage of the crash or incident itself
- Witness statements from other drivers/passengers/emergency personnel
- Medical documents, records, and bills
- Reports on damage sustained to the vehicle
As a general rule, you should try to gather as much evidence as you possibly can, as quickly as you possibly can. If possible, you should also make sure to swap insurance and general contact details with the other parties involved, especially if they were at fault for the accident. Make sure you store them in a safe place, or that you keep a digital copy of them where possible.
Take your car to a garage. If your car is not written off, you should still make sure that you stop by a garage to see whether or not any further repairs are necessary. This is because some damage may not be immediately apparent to the untrained eye, which could make it dangerous for your vehicle to remain on the road.
In any case, do some research ahead of time to ensure that you’ve found a mechanic that you can trust with this crucial task. This way, you’re giving yourself great peace of mind and can avoid being overcharged for services rendered. The best way to figure out whether or not a mechanic is a good fit is to check out reviews left by previous customers or to ask friends and family for a referral. Remember to keep all the documents and receipts they share with you, as you can use these to support compensation claims moving forward.
Reach out to an accident lawyer. Once you’ve gone through the processes outlined above, it is time to consider taking legal action. This means reaching out to an experienced accident lawyer in your local area, such as Adam Kutner. While this may seem a little daunting, it is a great way to ensure that your best interests are protected moving forward.
This is because they will be able to talk you through your options moving forward, while also providing you with insight into the amount of compensation you can expect to receive. This will help you to move forward from the accident without worrying about the financial fallout. For example, it can help to cover the cost of repairs to your car, and any medical treatment you may need now or in the future. This is where the evidence you’ve gathered will come into play.
However, it is important that you are incredibly patient during this time. While you’ll want the money sooner, rather than later, the legal process can take some time to get started. Either way, your lawyer will be able to manage your expectations in this regard.
Don’t let it stop you from getting behind the wheel. It’s normal to feel anxious about driving after being involved in a roadside accident. However, you should not let this stop you from getting behind the wheel altogether. Driving is a great freedom, and often a necessity that you cannot go without. You can make your return to driving a little easier by starting off with smaller journeys on roads that you are familiar with. This way, you feel a lot more relaxed and in control. Over time, you’ll find that your confidence behind the wheel builds once again.
Of course, you should also make sure that you’re talking to someone about how you are feeling. This doesn’t necessarily need to be a friend or family member (although that helps). For example, you could look into therapy services, such as group therapy for other accident survivors. Either way, finding some kind of outlet is often crucial to both your long-term recovery and your confidence as a driver.
Final thoughts. Car accidents are far more common than we’d like to think. This means that knowing exactly what to do in the aftermath of an accident is crucial, as it helps you to protect your best interests moving forward. For example, it ensures that you receive treatment and medical support right away, preventing long-term injuries. It also makes it easier to start seeking out compensation, something which is necessary when you are not personally at fault.
Fortunately, this guide is a great starting point for those looking to determine their next steps in the aftermath of an accident. This way, you can start to leave the accident behind you as quickly as possible.
(Disclaimer: This content is a partnered post. This material is provided as news and general information. It should not be construed as an endorsement of any investment service. The opinions expressed are the personal views and experience of the author, and no recommendation is made.)
