Being in a car accident is a jarring, confusing, and frankly frightening experience for anyone. Even if you’ve been in an auto accident before, it’s common not to know exactly what you should do next in these scenarios. Most experts would recommend that, after ensuring that everyone is safe at the scene, you should call 911. But another important call that many may overlook is one to an experienced car accident attorney in Denver.
By working with a car accident attorney after an accident, you’ll have someone in your corner who can help you understand the legal implications of your accident. They’ll assess your case, help you map out your options, and determine if you’re eligible for financial compensation for your injuries. If necessary, they’ll even represent you in a court of law.
While we all hope to never be in an accident, to begin with, it’s wise to be prepared and to know what to do in the aftermath of an auto collision. Here, we’re taking a closer look at car accidents and offering some advice on what to do after a car accident.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
While each accident is unique, there are many common causes of car accidents that account for the majority of these collisions. By better understanding the common causes of auto accidents, we can better prepare ourselves for these scenarios while on the road.
Many of the top causes of car accidents include:
- Distracted driving (texting, using your phone, talking with a passenger, eating, or playing with the radio, etc.)
- Driving under the influence
- Speeding
- Aggressive driving
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Fatigue
- Poor weather conditions
- Failure to keep up with car maintenance.
What to Do After a Car Accident
Curious about what to do immediately following a car accident? Read on for some important steps not to forget.
- Move to a safe area: if your car is still operational, you should first move it somewhere safe so that more cars don’t join in the crash. Try to get off the road and move your vehicle to a nearby shoulder or a parking lot.
- Call 911: once you’re in a safe area, call 911. This quick phone call is vital for two reasons. First, it will send an ambulance to the area to provide medical treatment for anyone injured. Secondly, it will also send police to help manage the scene of the accident. If needed, they can help clear out the area and direct traffic. They’ll also provide a police report detailing the specifics of the accident. This piece of evidence can provide incredibly valuable in case you file a personal injury claim. While waiting for the police to arrive, this is a good time to exchange basic contact and insurance information with any other drivers involved in the crash. But never feel pressured to share additional information.
- Gather key evidence: the next step is to gather evidence from the crash. Like the police report, this can also prove very valuable in case you file a personal injury claim. First and foremost, take photos of the accident. Snap photos of any damage done to your vehicle and the other driver’s vehicle. Additionally, take photos of the scene and of any property damage in the area. If anyone stopped at the accident, you can also try to get eyewitness accounts of what happened.
- Call a personal injury lawyer: after you’ve gathered evidence from the crash, your next call should be to an experienced local personal injury law firm. These legal experts will help you assess the details of your case. They’ll be able to determine whether or not you may be eligible for financial compensation. Even if you believe you were partially at fault for the accident, a personal injury attorney can help you understand your options and find the best course of action moving forward.
- Receive medical attention if needed: even if you feel fine after the accident, it’s recommended that you still seek out medical care. Some lingering injuries may not even be apparent right after the crash, and without treatment, they will only get worse. One of the most popular types of care for car accident injuries is visiting a car accident chiropractor. These medical professionals are experts in treating injuries affecting the musculoskeletal system, including common car accidents like whiplash or neck pain, or back pain.
Conclusion – What to Do After a Car Accident
While we all hope to never be in a car accident to begin with, the truth is that even the safest drivers can be involved in a crash. After all, even the most responsible drivers can’t fully account for the actions and behaviors of other drivers. With thousands of car accidents occurring every single day in this country, it’s best to be prepared so that you know exactly what to do if you are in a car crash.
First, make sure that your car is moved to a safe place if it’s still operational. Check on any other drivers who may be involved to determine if anyone is seriously injured. Call 911 as soon as possible so that both medical assistance and the police will be on the way. Ensuring that police arrive to file a police report is essential to receive an impartial, objective account of the crash. If you pursue a personal injury claim, this will be a vital piece of evidence.
After you exchange basic information with the other driver, begin gathering evidence from the scene. Take photos of all the damage done to any of the vehicles and also try to account for any property damage. Essentially, the more photos the better. After you’ve received the necessary medical treatment, your next call should be to a personal injury attorney. They can help you assess your care and determine if you may be eligible for financial compensation for your injuries. They can also help you find the right medical care for any injuries you may have sustained in a car accident.
