Quick! What’s the first thing that you should do after you get into a car accident? If you’re not sure, you’re not alone. Many Americans don’t know what to do. It’s a high-intensity moment. Adrenaline is pumping and you may be injured or care.
Unfortunately, you don’t have time to succumb to fear. If you’re too injured to do anything, well, you don’t have a choice. However, if you can move, there are a few things that you need to do to protect yourself.
1. Take Pictures
Take pictures of the accident. Make sure that you grab shots of all of the vehicles involved. It’s possible that you will have to sue someone. The more documentation that you have, the stronger your case. In addition, it may not be clear what went wrong. The accident may have been caused by human error, mechanical failure, a weather event.
As Des Moines personal injury firm LaMarca Law Group explains: “Discovering the underlying cause of a car accident can be difficult, as you try to contend with insurance companies, police reports, doctor visits, and the many other aggravations that are associated with the aftermath of a collision. An experienced attorney canhelp to identify whether the accident or injuries may have resulted from a defective automobile.”
2. Consider Your Options
After you get into a car accident, you have to think about your next step. How much damage was inflicted on your vehicle? Are you going to sue someone? These are questions that you will likely work out with your realtor. However, if you plan on suing, you may need to hire a lawyer.
Before you march into the courtroom, take the time to really assess the situation. You need to be sure that you will be able to collect if you win, and you need to be willing to undergo the stress of mediation and possibly a trial. It doesn’t matter if you win if the defendant has no money.
3. Exchange Information
If the crash involved another vehicle, you need to get their information. Get a picture of their ID and insurance card. You should do this even if you don’t think there’s damage to your car. What if the other person files a claim? You don’t know what’s going to happen next, so you need to prepare for anything.
4. Take Care of Yourself
You may need to see the doctor after your accident. If you were injured in any way, you need documentation. Your word isn’t enough in a courtroom. For a judge to determine that you’re owed medical costs, you have to demonstrate that you were injured.
You also need to take care of yourself psychologically. Getting into a car accident can be very scary. You may feel rattled or uncomfortable driving. It’s better to try to fix these problems than to attempt to live with them.
5. Assess Yourself
If the accident was caused by you, it’s time to figure out why. Were you drinking? Texting while you were driving? It’s easy to underestimate how serious driving mistakes are. Until something bad happens, you may think that it’s no big deal. After your accident, it’s time to reassess. If you were intoxicated, the judge may order you take classes. If you weren’t paying attention because you were looking at your phone, eating, etc., then it’s your own responsibility change your behavior.
6. Go Slow
When you’re getting back on the road, go slow if you’re scared. It’s only natural to feel nervous after an accident. If you don’t feel ready to drive yet, use public transportation or Uber or Lyft. This way, you can still get around without having to drive. You may feel a lot of pressure to get back behind the wheel. Most of America depends on cars.
7. Forgive
If your accident was caused by someone, you may feel enraged. This is especially true if you were injured. However, that anger doesn’t help anyone. It could even make things worse. It’s very stressful to carry anger around. The sooner you let it go, the happier you will feel.
This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t sue if necessary. It’s always a good idea to stand up for justice.
Car accidents are still very common. If you’re on the road, there’s a good chance that you will eventually be in one. How you behave after the fact matters a great deal. You need to be alert and strong.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
