A car crash (often referred to as an accident) is often jarring and traumatic, but there are certain actions that can make the situation far worse. If you don’t take the proper steps after a crash with another vehicle, then you could find yourself facing serious consequences. If you want to avoid making a bad situation worse, here are a few things you need to know.
Always Contact Emergency Services
An accident can seem so minor that it doesn’t warrant bothering the authorities, but that assumption is a mistake. In the excitement that follows an accident, crash victims can sometimes miss the fact that they are injured. Having a medical professional evaluate your condition is the best way to keep this from happening. The medical reports filed by these professionals could also prove invaluable if you have to prove you were hurt in a personal injury lawsuit. You may also need a police report for such a lawsuit, or if your insurance company denies your claim. For these reasons, it’s always a good idea to report a crash.
Don’t Neglect Documentation
In the excitement of a crash, it can be pretty easy to forget about something like paperwork. However, there are key pieces of information that you will need in order to handle the situation. Collect the other driver’s name, address, insurance provider and policy number. The other driver will also need this information from you. You should also note the make, color and license plate number of the other vehicles involved in the crash. If you have a smartphone or camera available, you should take pictures of the scene and the damage. This information could prove valuable if you have to go to court against the other driver or an insurance company.
Final Tips from Our Tennessee Car Accident Attorneys
Remember, your first priority after any accident should be your health and safety. If you are injured, seek medical attention before anything else. If you are not injured, stay calm and check on the other drivers to offer whatever assistance you can. You should also avoid telling anyone at an accident scene that the crash was your fault. An investigation may reveal that you were not responsible for what happened, but an admission of guilt may outweigh that evidence in civil court.
Consult the Newport vehicle accident attorneys at Myers & Ball, LLP if you have more questions about what to do if you are hurt in a car accident. We help injury victims recover from the negligence of another party. Call (423)248-1023 today for a free consultation regarding your traffic injury accident.
