Car accidents happen in the blink of an eye, but they can also have life-altering consequences. Even if you’re a good driver, you could still find yourself in the middle of a wreck.
Accidents can be startling, especially if you’ve never been in one. People often ask the car accident attorneys of Hupy and Abraham, S.C. what they should do after an accident. We’ve put together a list of useful tips to help you navigate this confusing and overwhelming time.
What to Do At the Scene of the Crash
While you are still at the accident scene, you can take the following actions:
- Check that Everyone is Okay. The first priority after an accident is safety. Call 911 immediately if someone is seriously injured.
- Turn on your Emergency Lights. Auto accidents are bound to hold up traffic. It’s essential that other drivers know the situation so that they can steer clear of the wreckage and avoid causing a secondary accident.
- Call the Police. Even after a minor accident, it’s important that a police officer is dispatched to regulate traffic, prepare an accident report, and help drivers exchange information.
- Take Pictures. Make sure you take pictures of both vehicles from as many different angles as possible.
- Document Evidence. Hupy and Abraham, S.C.’s Glove Box Guide will tell you exactly what information you need to jot down after an accident. This information will help our personal injury attorneys maximize the value of your case.
- Don’t Discuss Accident with Other Driver or Witnesses. Do not argue with anyone about who was or wasn’t at fault for the accident. Just let the evidence speak for itself.
Sometimes, your injuries or shock may prevent you from taking these actions. Don’t worry if you can’t complete any of these actions. There is still time to protect your recovery.
What to Do in the Days Following a Car Accident
As you try to move on from your accident, it’s essential to:
- Get Medical Attention. Seeing a doctor as soon as possible after a crash can help prevent your injuries from worsening and help you manage your pain. It may also help your legal claim. A delay in treatment may give the insurance company an opening to argue that you were hurt for a reason other than the accident.
- Follow Your Doctor’s Treatment Plan. The failure to follow a recommended treatment plan can cause you further medical problems and hurt your legal case. The insurer will likely argue that your failure to follow the treatment plan worsened your injuries and, therefore, you should receive less compensation.
- Watch What You Post on Social Media. Do not assume that your social media posts are private. The insurance company or defense lawyer may see what you post on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, or another site and use that as evidence that you are not as injured as you claim.
- Make Sure You Have Support from Friends and Relatives. Your recovery may be long and difficult. Your friends and family members can help you with activities of daily living and provide emotional support.
- Protect the Evidence You Collected at the Accident Scene. Make sure to back up any photos or other evidence you gathered at the crash scene so that it is available for you when you need it.
- Call your Insurance Company. Report the accident, but do not talk about your injuries or the cause of the crash. You can refer the insurance adjuster to your lawyer for additional information.
- Call a Car Accident Lawyer. Once the initial shock of the accident wears off, contact the car accident attorneys of Hupy and Abraham, S.C., as soon as possible. We would be happy to provide you with a free consultation about your rights so that you can make informed decisions about what to do next.
Insurance companies want you to settle your car accident claim for as little as possible. However, insurance companies know that Hupy and Abraham lawyers mean business. If they are unwilling to provide you with a fair settlement, we won’t hesitate to go to court to protect your rights.
Call us, start a live chat with us, or complete our contact form to have us contact you to discuss your potential auto accident claim.
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