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On a list of things that could happen to ruin your day, an automobile crash has to rank towards the top. Most of the time, they arise out of nowhere with little to no warning. Most are minor, yet some can be utterly catastrophic. Car crashes can and do happen to everyone. Whether you are on vacation, commuting, or just taking a leisurely drive, a crash can happen.
It’s helpful to know a few things that can make what happens after an accident go a little more smoothly. Make sure you know what to do after a car accident not your fault, not sure, or when you are at fault.
Before the accident
Believe it or not, there are steps you can take to prepare for a crash before it happens that can make the entire ordeal a little less stressful. These include:
- Remove potential flying objects
- Print out your states DMV Crash checklist
- Have a first aid kit
Remove anything from your vehicle that could turn into a projectile. Remember that loose objects in your vehicle travel at the same speed as you do. In the event of a crash, the objects will continue moving at driving speeds until it strikes something to make it stop. For example, say your child left a marble in the back seat. You’re driving down the highway at 60 mph. It’s setting harmlessly in the back seat then you are struck by an oncoming vehicle. It launches forward at 60 mph and strikes you in the back of the head. Not so harmless anymore is it?
The DMV accident guide can help you to organize your thoughts after a crash so that you don’t forget anything in the ensuing chaos.
The first aid kit should contain bandages and sterile wipes at a minimum but can consist of more should you so choose.
Immediately following the crash
Stay safe! The last thing you want to do is to put yourself in any more danger. Reconstitute yourself and become aware of your surroundings. If you are on a busy freeway, stay in your vehicle until it is safe to exit. Check yourself; see if you have any injuries. With all the adrenaline coursing through you it is very common not to know that you are injured until minutes later. Check on any passengers that were traveling with you. Call 911 to inform the police and get an ambulance en route, if needed.
What to do next
After you are safe and first responders are on the way, you are going to want to start collecting information if you are able. Start by taking pictures and exchanging insurance information. NEVER ADMIT FAULT. Be polite, but saying it was your fault isn’t going to help the situation any. It is not your job to determine who is at fault; admitting fault could cause you unnecessary financial burden. Make sure you write down anything that could become important such as your speed or what you noticed just before the accident. Take note of anything that the police may need for their report.
Contact your insurance company and answer any questions they have and follow all instructions. It is imperative that you answer their questions thoroughly as this information can become crucial if you are taken to court. Your insurance company will be able to assist you in making sure that you have covered all of your bases.
On the thought of court, make sure to call your lawyer. Hiring a good attorney can be critical in saving you from financial harm. If you do not have an attorney already, I suggest that you begin researching and trying to find a good one. Besides being sore or recovering from the crash, an attorney should be at the forefront of your thinking. Always be honest and open with your attorney. No attorney can help you if they do not have all the necessary information.
As stated earlier, a car crash is never pleasant. There is nothing about an accident that makes you say “hmmm, now that sounds fun! I think I’ll crash today!” But taking steps to be prepared for a crash before it happens and knowing what to do after is sure to ease the headache that is a car crash.
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