Top 10 Steps to Take Immediately After a Car Accident
July 11, 2024
The moments following a car accident can be rather disorienting. If you later need to pursue a claim, taking the right steps immediately after your car accident can significantly improve the strength of your case.
- Get Somewhere Safe
You need to remain at the scene of the accident but get off the road and move a safe distance away from your vehicle. You do not want to be injured in a subsequent accident caused by an inattentive driver. - Stay Calm
This may be difficult with adrenaline coursing through your body, but the best thing to do is to remain as calm as possible. This will help you better assess the situation and take the right steps to protect your rights. - Call the Police
The police can secure the scene of the accident and divert traffic to keep you safe. They can also generate an accident report that can be useful in establishing important facts if you later decide to pursue a claim. - Get the Other Driver’s Information
Unless they fled the scene, you need to exchange information with the other driver. You need to get their insurance information, the make and model of their vehicle, their tag number, and their contact information. Use your smartphone’s camera to quickly capture this information whenever possible. Even if no exchange of information exchange is given at the scene, kindly request the other driver to provide you with their insurance card so you may capture a photo. - Get Witness Information
Because they are considered neutral third parties, witness testimony can be powerful evidence in support of your claim. As a result, you need to be sure to get their contact information including their mobile number, their email address, and their mailing address. - Take Pictures
Using your phone’s camera, snap photos of the damage to your vehicle, damage to the other vehicle, and any information you may have suffered. Pictures or video of the scene of the accident, any relevant signage, or road and traffic conditions may also be helpful. - Request Medical Treatment
Do not hesitate to request an ambulance if you are injured or badly shaken up. Surprisingly, many people decline medical treatment at the scene out of embarrassment. - Do Not Admit Liability
Anything you say at the scene of the accident may later come back to haunt you. You want to avoid anything that would suggest or imply that you were responsible in whole or part for causing the accident. - Call a Tow Truck
If your car is not driveable, you will need to make arrangements to have it towed somewhere – either to your home, the towing company’s lot, or a repair shop. Keep in mind that the tow company will charge you a daily storage fee. You may have to have it towed twice if you have it towed home or to a repair show that doesn’t work with your insurance company. - Call Your Insurance Company
The primary purpose of this call is to notify them of the accident and get guidance about things like getting a tow truck and where you should have your car towed to.
Contact Difilippo & Pica, PLLC if You Have Been Injured in a Car Accident
If you have been involved in a car accident, the best thing to do is talk to a car accident attorney about your rights. Contact Difilippo & Pica, PLLC, today to schedule a free consultation.