When a person is involved in a car accident, it can be a very frightening time in their life. No matter how big or small the accident may be, it can create a stressful situation. Sometimes, people are unsure of how to handle the situation. It is understandable for anyone to be quick to panic when an accident happens. However, it is important to try and stay calm so that you can handle the situation at hand to the best of your ability. When an accident occurs, there are a number of things that should be done.
Call the Police
After an accident, it is crucial to contact law enforcement even if the other party tells you otherwise. Once they arrive, they can keep the scene of the accident safe by directing other traffic around the wreckage. In addition to this, they will draft a police report regarding the incidents, take witness statements, and conduct any necessary chemical tests. This is important information that can be used in the future to process a claim with your insurance company.
Do Not Apologize
Often times, many drivers have the impulse to apologize to the other individual involved in the accident after it occurs. While this may be seen as the right thing to do, it is important to avoid issuing an apology. This is because it can be seen as an admission of fault for your involvement in the accident. Instead, simply be polite and contact emergency services.
Photo or Video of the Wreck
As long as the scene of the accident is secure, it can be beneficial to walk through and take pictures or videos of the wreck. This can provide you with evidence of any broken glass, deployed airbags, bloodstains, skid marks, and more that occurred during the accident. In addition to this, recording any poor weather or road conditions can be helpful when filing a claim.
Record Important Details
It is important to collect all the necessary information before leaving the scene of an accident. While law enforcement is on the scene, it should not be assumed that they will do this for you. Being proactive can help you gather what is needed for filing a claim. This can include the names of witnesses, their phone numbers, and registration information of any vehicle involved.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Anyone who is involved in an accident should seek medical attention immediately afterward. This should be done regardless of whether or not you feel injured because it is possible to not realize or experience symptoms until a later moment in time. While an emergency response team can conduct an examination on the scene, it is important to still see a doctor for an official diagnosis. In addition to this, they can document where, why, and when the injuries occurred.
Contact our Firm
Friedman Schuman is an experienced and dedicated legal resource for clients throughout Pennsylvania. We proudly serve clients facing a wide range of legal matters. If you require the services of an effective attorney, please contact Friedman Schuman today to schedule a consultation.
