3 Important Things to Do After a Car Accident

1. 3 Important Things to Do After a Car Accident If you are in a car accident, it is important to stay calm and take the appropriate steps. There are certain things you should do to protect yourself and your vehicle. In this article, we will discuss three important things to do after a car accident. Following these tips can help minimize the damage and ensure your safety before you contact a car accident lawyer in Beverly Hills. 1. Check for Injuries and Stay Where You Are If you are able to, check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone is injured, it is important to stay where you are and wait for emergency medical personnel. Serious injuries can worsen if you try to move someone who is hurt. Call 911 immediately to report the accident and request medical assistance. Do not try to leave the scene of the accident, even if you think it was your fault.

2. In most states, leaving the scene of an accident is a felony offense. You could be charged with hit and run even if the accident was not your fault. It’s always best to err on the side of caution and wait for the police to arrive before leaving. While you are waiting, turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers of the accident. If you can, move your car to the shoulder or side of the road. Do not try to move your car if it is blocking traffic or if you are injured. 2. Call the Police Even if the accident is minor, it is important to call the police. The police will create a report of the accident, which can be useful if you need to file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. The police report will include important information about the accident, such as the date, time, and location of the accident. It will also include the names and contact information of any witnesses. If you are able to, take pictures of the scene of the accident before you move your car. These pictures can be helpful in proving how the accident happened. Be sure to get the name, badge number, and contact information of the responding officer. You may need this information later. 3. Exchange Insurance Information with the Other Driver After you have called the police, you will need to exchange insurance information with the other driver. In most states, it is illegal to drive without insurance. So, if the other driver does not have insurance, you may be on the hook for any damages or injuries sustained in the accident if you don’t sue. Be sure to get the other driver’s name, contact information, insurance company name, and policy number. Do not discuss who was at fault for the accident with the other driver. This is a conversation that should take place between your lawyers or insurance companies. Do not sign anything from the other driver or their insurance company without speaking to your lawyer first. You could inadvertently agree to pay for damages that are not actually your responsibility. If the other driver is not cooperative, you can always get their insurance information from the police report. Schedule a Free Consultation with a Personal Injury Attorney As you can see, these are the most important tips to follow in the aftermath of a car accident. If you’ve been injured in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, please contact our personal injury attorneys to see if you have a case. Schedule a free consultation today or give us a call at 888.848.2656 for more information.