Every year, nearly 1.35 million people are killed in road accidents around the globe. If you or someone close to you has been severely injured, contact Johnston Law Firm for immediate legal assistance. If you’re in an accident, whether you’re at fault or not, there are some things to do to safeguard yourself. Following a crash, you should take the following steps:
- Check to see whether you and all passengers are all doing fine.
Never continue driving away after a crash. Even if the accident was minor or severe, check yourself and other passengers for wounds to see if you aren’t too injured or scared to move. If someone is injured, call an ambulance immediately or ask bystanders to do so.
- Call the cops.
Even if no significant injuries resulted from the incident, it is good to notify the police. Officials will record the incident and file an accident report. If they don’t respond, you can fill out the forms yourself at your local police station. In some situations, a police report is required to claim with your insurance provider, even if the claim is only for vehicle damage.
- Keep accurate records and capture images of the scene.
When the cops arrive, or you lodge a complaint at the station, make sure to tell the investigators precisely what happened, when, and how, to the best of your ability. Inform the cops of whatever you know. Be entirely truthful. If you don’t know or can’t recall something, inform the officer. Make no assumptions or guesses.
- Note Down Important Information and Maintain a File
In most circumstances, the investigating officer(s) will collect vital information from all individuals involved in an accident. If this is the case, make sure you obtain the names and badge numbers of all police, as well as information on where you may get a copy of the accident report. If the police do not arrive, it is your job to obtain the necessary information such as names, contact numbers, and license details of all involved.
- Seek Medical Help If Necessary
Seek medical treatment if you have any pain or discomfort after an accident or if you see any injuries.
- Inform Your Insurance Provider
It’s advisable to contact your insurance company as soon as possible after the accident, enabling them to tell you exactly what information they will require from you to make a claim. It’s a myth that you only need to contact your insurance agent if you were at fault for the accident. Often, you may wish to utilize multiple coverages on your policy; however, you must inform your insurance company to use any of them.
We hope you never have an accident. Regardless, if this happens, you must know what steps to take at the scene and in the days that follow.
