Car accidents can happen to anyone, regardless of how careful they are on the road. While it’s natural to feel overwhelmed and fearful after being involved in a car accident, it’s important to stay calm and take the necessary steps to ensure your safety and protect your legal rights. 

In this article, we’ll guide you through what to do if you are in a car accident. By following these steps, you can help minimize the impact of the accident and get back on the road to recovery.

Stay calm

The first thing you should do after a car accident is to stay calm and assess the situation. 

• Check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone is injured, call for emergency services immediately. 
• If you are not injured, turn off your car engine and turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
• If the accident is minor and your car is blocking traffic, move it to the side of the road if possible. 
• Do not leave the scene of the accident until the police arrive and tell you it is safe to do so. Leaving the scene of an accident, even a minor one, can be a criminal offense.

Police and emergency services

Dial 911 and tell the operator your location and the nature of the accident. If no one is injured, you should still call the police to report the accident. The police will create an accident report, which can be useful if you need to file a claim with your insurance company.

When the police arrive, cooperate with them and provide them with any information they need. Do not admit fault or blame the other driver, even if you think they caused the accident. Let the police investigate the accident.

Exchange information with the other driver

After making sure everyone is safe and calling for emergency services, you should exchange information with the other driver. Get their name, address, phone number, driver’s license number, and insurance information. You should also take note of the make, model, and license plate number of their car. If there are any witnesses to the accident, get their contact information as well.

Do not discuss who is at fault or apologize for the accident. This could be used against you later if you need to file a claim with your insurance company. Stick to exchanging information and let the police and insurance companies handle the rest.

Document the accident

Once you have exchanged information with the other driver and the police have arrived, you should document the accident. Take pictures of the damage to both cars and the surrounding area. If there are any skid marks or debris on the road, take pictures of those as well. This documentation can be useful if you need to file a claim with your insurance company or hire a car accident attorney.

You should also write down your recollection of the accident, including the time, location, weather conditions, and any other details you remember. This can help refresh your memory later if you need to testify about the accident.

Notify your insurance company

After the accident, you should notify your insurance company as soon as possible. Your insurance policy may require you to report the accident within a certain timeframe. When you call your insurance company, provide them with all the information you have about the accident, including the other driver’s information, the police report number, and any documentation you have.

Do not admit fault or make any statements that could be used against you later. Stick to the facts and let your insurance company handle the rest. They will investigate the accident and determine who is at fault.

Get medical attention

Even if you feel fine after the accident, you should still get medical attention. Some injuries, such as whiplash and concussions, may not show symptoms right away. Delayed symptoms can make it more difficult to prove that your injuries were caused by the accident.

Go to a doctor or hospital and get checked out. Make sure you get a copy of your medical records and bills to provide to your insurance company. If you need ongoing medical treatment, keep track of all your appointments and bills.

If you are having trouble dealing with the emotional aftermath of the accident, consider talking to a therapist or counselor. They can help you process your feelings and develop coping strategies.

Contact an experienced car accident attorney: Butash Law Group

Now you know more about what to do if you are in a car accident. If you are located here in the Tampa Bay area, we will take care of the legal aspects of your case!

If you were injured in the accident or if there is significant car damage, contact the specialists at Butash Law Group!

The experience of a car accident can feel overwhelming, but having a legal expert in your corner can go a long way to alleviate such feelings! We will guide you through the whole process and protect your rights. This includes the navigation of the insurance claims process and negotiations with the other driver’s insurance company. If necessary, we can, of course, also represent you in court!

Are you worried about the legal costs of the whole process? Here’s our promise: You won’t receive our bill until we make a recovery on your behalf! Contact your car accident attorney at Butash Law Group for your free consultation!