What To Do After A Car Accident
A car accident is frightening and distressing for anybody, and it can be difficult to know how to cope in the immediate aftermath.
Immediately After The Accident
In the first minutes after the accident, you’ll be feeling very shaken but try and keep a cool head. Turn off the car’s engine as soon as you can, and turn on your hazard lights. Check yourself and any passengers for any injuries. Do not get out of the car, unless you are sure it is safe to do so.
Call any emergency services you might need; the police or an ambulance. Try and take some deep breaths and calm down to deal with the incident. No matter how shaken you, avoid apologising or admitting any fault; if there is any dispute about the incident later, this could end up making you liable.
Information To Record
Take a note of the make, model and registration plate of any other car involved in the accident. Jot down the time and date, and any details you can remember immediately. Write down the name or number of the road you’re on, in case you forget later. Make a note of weather and road conditions, and any damage caused to your or other cars. If you can do so safely, take some pictures of the damage and road conditions.
Write down any injuries received by anyone in your vehicle. If you can, get the details of any witnesses. Make sure you also exchange details with other drivers.
If no other cars were involved, but you have damaged property, make sure you leave your details with the owner, or in a note that can be easily found.
Finding A Lawyer
After the accident, you may wish to hire a lawyer to represent you. This is important in the case of serious incidents or accidents where you think you may be at fault. Find a specialist lawyer, such as https://www.leyba-defense.com/, who can help you in cases where you are being accused of a driving offence such as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, reckless driving or negligent driving.
Share with your lawyer all the notes and pictures you recorded at the scene and the names of any potential witnesses who may have useful information to share.
A good lawyer can also help you to prepare a case for claiming any compensation to which you may be entitled. Again, all your notes from the accident will be important, as will records of any medical treatment you received. If you were injured, keep a diary of any mental and physical distress and any treatment you were given in the days after the crash.
Get Back To Driving
It’s normal to feel frightened of getting back behind the wheel after a crash, especially if someone was hurt. If you need to keep driving, it’s important to get back in the saddle safely and without causing yourself more emotional distress.
Seek help if you think you need it, and give yourself time to feel comfortable in the car. Start slowly, and drive short distances on familiar roads until the fear of driving begins to wear off. Don’t push yourself until you’re ready.