No one plans to get to a car crash, which means that it can be hard to react appropriately right after one happens. The disruption of your daily schedule in the shock of the collision will make it harder for you to think rationally and execute an appropriate plan.
If you think ahead of time about what you will need to do if you do get into a crash, it will be much easier for you to take the right steps after a wreck.
Check yourself and your passengers for injuries
One of the most important steps will be determining what, if any, injury you have any other occupants of your vehicle suffered in the crash. Having everyone test their arms and legs and then report any notable symptoms will make calling for emergency assistance a little bit easier.
Get your phone out to document things
In the first few moments after a crash, numerous things can happen. One of them is that the other driver might try to flee to avoid responsibility, possibly because they know they are at fault.
Getting a few pictures and even short videos before you move your vehicles out of the flow of traffic is important. Those images and videos will preserve the initial scene of the crash and help you prove what really happened.
Call for police assistance
Unless you have to leave to seek emergency medical care for someone in your vehicle, you will usually need to remain at the scene of the crash until after you file a police report about what happened before and during the wreck.
You probably think that the police will figure out what happened at the crash. To ensure that you protect yourself and receive the compensation you deserve, it is crucial that you tell the police officer when you suspect misconduct on the part of the other driver, like distraction at the wheel.
Getting medical care for any injuries you notice
Any obvious injuries require medical attention, and those involved in a wreck that involves high speeds or significant damage to a vehicle may want to seek medical evaluation even if they don’t notice symptoms of an injury right away. Internal bleeding and brain injuries often cause delayed symptoms. Timely diagnosis can improve your chances of getting better.
Review the insurance coverage available
As you start to plan your response to the crash and think about how it will affect your life for the next few months, you will need to figure out what insurance coverage you have available. In some cases, you may have supplemental coverage on your own policy when the other driver doesn’t have enough coverage. Other times, the lack of adequate insurance may mean that you need to file a civil lawsuit.
Knowing the right steps to take after a car crash will make it easier for you to protect yourself legally and financially.