diverse legal experience

What steps should you take after a car accident?

Author: Attorney, Veronica Valenzuela

Experiencing a car accident can be a shocking and stressful experience, but knowing what steps to take immediately afterward can make a difference in ensuring your safety and protecting your rights. Whether it’s a minor fender bender or a more severe collision, here are the essential steps to take after being involved in a car accident:

Check for injuries:
Immediately after the accident, inspect for potential injuries. If anyone is injured, call emergency services immediately and assist as needed.

Move to a safe location:
Moving your vehicle to a safe location away from traffic can prevent further accidents or injuries. Turn on hazard lights, set up warning triangles, and use other means to alert approaching drivers about the accident scene.

Contact authorities:
You should call the police to report the accident, even if it isn’t severe. Provide them with accurate accident details, including the location, vehicle number, and injuries. A police report will be essential for your personal injury claim.

Collect information from the at-fault party and witnesses:
Exchange contact information with the other drivers involved in the accident. Obtain their name, address, phone number, license plate number, insurance company, and policy number. Additionally, gather contact information from witnesses in case they need to testify in your case.

Document accident evidence:
This one is easy with today’s technology. Use your phone to photograph or record the accident scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, and any relevant signage or landmarks.

Seek medical attention:
Even if you don’t initially feel injured, seeking medical attention immediately after the accident is essential. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent but can worsen if left untreated.

Following these steps after a car accident can help protect your safety and right to receive fair compensation. Remember to stay calm, prioritize safety, and seek assistance from authorities and medical professionals as needed.