10 Tips to Remember After an Auto Accident

For most of us, the daily commute is as routine as getting dressed or pouring a cup of coffee. However, car accident victims know all too well that it doesn’t take much to turn a mundane drive into a devastating accident. These accidents are extremely stressful in the moment, and oftentimes the adrenaline takes over, which can cloud your judgement. Not to mention, you may be left with painful injuries and costly repair fees.

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As scary as these situations may be, a little bit of preparation can truly go a long way. You can’t erase the past, but you can better prepare yourself in the future should an accident occur. The best way to help yourself is to retain the services of a trusted car accident attorney from Van Law Firm, but there are small steps drivers can take to help their case as much as possible–let’s take a look at a few of them. 

Ensure that Police and Medical Services Arrive 

No matter how minor an accident may seem, you should make sure that authorities respond to the scene. The police will submit an accident report, which is almost always a crucial piece of evidence for car accident cases. Not only that, but it is imperative that all accident victims receive medical attention, even if there are little to no symptoms. 

If Possible, Remain in Your Car 

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It’s always a good idea to stay in your car and move off the road, if at all possible. If you are severely injured or incapacitated, stay where you are; if your car is too damaged to be moved, use you best judgement to determine if it is safer to stay in the vehicle or to move away from the road. Overall, try your best to stay calm and put yourself in the safest position possible. 

Consider Preparing an Emergency Roadside Kit

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A little preparation can go a long way, especially in the event of a car accident. We recommend all drivers have a small kit in their trunk with some basic safety items, such as cones or flares, first aid supplies, pen and paper, and additional clothes or jackets in cold weather scenarios. After an accident, these items may be extremely helpful. 

Exchange Insurance and Contact Information

Be sure to exchange all contact and insurance details with the other party(s) while you are there at the scene, either digitally or on paper. You should also write down any notes or details of importance. 

Avoid Talking About the Accident

No matter how you or the other driver(s) are feeling after an accident, you should say as little about the accident as possible even though it just occurred–you want to avoid any situation where you might admit fault or place blame, both of which can be detrimental to your case. If the authorities ask a question, answer as truthfully as possible, but avoid giving statements to other drivers or anyone representing them. 

Know Your Auto and Health Insurance Policies Beforehand 

People often have the belief that paying for insurance, even the most basic policies, will afford them total coverage in the event of an accident. Let us be the first to tell you that that is simply not the case, and that policies differ widely in coverage. You can save yourself a ton of confusion and frustration by studying up on the outlines of your auto and health insurance policies before getting into an accident. 

Take Numerous Pictures at the Scene 

Oftentimes, photographs of the accident are the most compelling and important evidence. Document everything of interest, including the damages to all vehicles involved, the surrounding areas, any damaged property, any visible injuries, and anything else you feel is noteworthy. 

Seek Medical Attention

No matter the circumstances of an accident, you should always submit to a thorough medical examination, either at a hospital or at the scene. Not only will they identify and treat any injuries, but they will also help your case, in the sense that opposing insurers will not be able to discredit the severity of your condition as you sought care right away. 

Contact Your Insurer 

You will have to contact your auto insurer and report the accident, but your timetable will vary depending on your policy. Be prepared to give them certain information regarding the crash, but you should exercise caution here as well. If you are not comfortable doing this alone, you can always retain an attorney first to help you. 

Contact an Experienced Car Accident Attorney

Even though most of these tips may seem simple or obvious, everything moves much faster in the heat of the moment. That is why you should always seek the help of a trusted attorney, as they can help make up for just about any missteps along the way. Their experience will help you get the compensation you need. 

If you have further questions about car accident claims, or would like to speak with award-winning car accident attorneys about your case, contact Van Law Firm right away. We can hold liable parties accountable for your damages and recover your rightful compensation. Call our office nearest you now to get started.