In the event of a car crash, factual thinking, some essential undertaking, and a good law firm sometimes come into play over your insurance company.
According to statistics, a large number of people get injured every year due to car accidents that nearly estimates to three million. If you are involved in the unfortunate event of being in an automobile crash, there are a couple of steps you should take after the mishap to make the situation as manageable as possible.
People are more likely to get involved in minor, major, or sideswipe crashes. It is not unusual to be emotionally disturbed after getting into such a position. But to take charge of the chaotic situation, it is important to calm down and think factually.
In case your insurance company isn’t being considerate enough, contact attorney Eric Ramos to get the right help. Here are some essential things to be aware of that might help you to deal with a car accident.
1. Halt Over
It’s very important to take a pause. You should not drive away from the accident scene. Not only that’s illegal, but it’s completely immoral as there might be casualties on the spot.
If you have been involved in an accident, you need to stop your car no matter whose fault it is. Driving away from the accident scene might get you into more trouble afterward.
2. Injury or Physical Assessment
The first thing you need to do is your physical assessment. When you face an accident, the first impulse is to jump out of the car and scream, but assessing your injuries is vital to avoid further health complications.
Know your body. Check yourself properly. Gently stretch your thoracic area to feel any broken bones or massive pain. Look for a head injury. It’s very dangerous if you have cracked ribs or if you are bleeding internally.
3. Urgent Medical Attention
After assessing your injuries, check on your passenger especially if you are traveling with a child. Sometimes unfortunately in car accidents, there are serious traumas and critical medical attention is required.
In case you or another driver, a passenger, or any pedestrian is injured, call for the people or emergency personals. Try accessing a phone, call 911 immediately to get the ambulance or paramedics on the way. Also, get yourself a thorough medical checkup after arriving home safely.
4. Threat Assessment
There could be a potential secondary accident coming on the way. So, to avoid any greater threat coming in your way, you either want to try and move the car or get the passengers and yourself out of danger. It is especially important if it’s dark and you are on an icy road.
Providing the fact of being in a high traffic area, try to pull your car over and do a threat assessment to be aware of any imminent danger. Know where you are. Try to scrutinize your surroundings. If it’s night time and you are in a higher crime area, do not flash your smartphones or any lights. Instead, try to maintain a low profile.
You need to stay put and make no conversation with other drivers. To have a better view of who’s coming in your way, you may settle in the back seat. In case you see people who might look dangerous coming toward you, lower the car window and let them know that the cops are on their way.
5. Take Pictures
Once everything has settled down a bit, you need to take snapshots of the scene. It is necessary to do so, since, whoever might be at fault, the statement may get altered afterward. So, it’s important to collect your evidence.
Take as many pictures as you can, from different angles, and perspectives. Get any road signs and lane markings into the pictures. Try to capture the details of all the damage. This will help you later while dealing with insurance.
6. Exchange Information
Note down the details and give your information to the other person involved in the accident. Exchanging information to have proper details is necessary since either party might need to contact.
Take a picture of their license, write down all the important info. It is essential to write down the insurance number, registration, license, and number plate.
7. Report the Accident
You need to report the details of the accident to the ministry of transportation or related persons according to your area of residence. It is crucial to let them know as they might even give you a sticker to put on the damaged areas of the car as proof of the report.
8. Know Your Insurance Policies
Immediately after an accident, report it to your own insurance company without delay. It is of foremost importance to know your insurance policies to activate the necessary benefits that you might get. This might cover the payments for your care.
9. Avoid Remorseful Conversation
Try to avoid saying anything apologetic without getting your facts clear. Admitting your faults or sounding so, might further get you into trouble. Even saying “Sorry” might be considered as entirely your negligence in the eyes of law. So before seeking any professional help, do not involve in any conversation that might suggest or sound like the accident was your fault.
10. Contact a Law Firm
The right law firm can make all the difference in case your insurance company is letting you down. While you can concentrate on your health, the attorney and their team can deal with the insurance company.
They can fight for every dollar of the compensation that you deserve. To avail of your rights, a legal team with proper experience is important to speak on your behalf.
Therefore, make sure that the insurance company is not given any pressure to record your conversation, before consulting an attorney. And be mindful before signing any documents as the insurance company may try to pay you hardly any for your bruises and cut.
So, if you got injured in an automobile crash, call a law firm immediately. Try to keep your seat belts in check before hitting the road. Take a good look at your tires, know the road sign, and be mindful of the crossing to avoid any accidents.
