Being in a car accident can lead to severe injuries, damages, and more. Those who are in a car accident for the first time may not know what to do immediately after it happens and how to handle it moving forward. It is important to prioritize safety in the immediate aftermath of the accident and to work on preserving evidence to make it possible to get compensation. 

Prioritize Safety for Everyone Involved

The first step immediately after an accident is to prioritize the safety of everyone involved in the accident. It’s important to check for injuries immediately and call for emergency medical assistance if needed.

If possible, it is a good idea to move the vehicles away from the traffic to help prevent further accidents. It’s also a good idea to turn on hazard lights if possible to alert other drivers. All of this can be done to protect everyone’s safety and prepare for hiring an accident attorney to handle the case. 

Document the Scene if Possible

If it’s possible, it’s a good idea to document the scene of the accident by taking as many photos as possible of the vehicles, the road, and the surrounding area. Photos of the accident scene should be taken before the vehicles are moved, but more detailed photos of the damage to the vehicles can be obtained later. This helps to show how the accident happened and what the road conditions were at the time of the accident. 

Seek Medical Attention

Those who are involved in the car accident should seek medical attention right away. For life-threatening injuries, an ambulance may be needed. However, if the person doesn’t feel injured or just feels sore, they will still want to visit the doctor within the next day or two to rule out any hidden injuries. It is important for everyone to get checked out just in case they have hidden injuries or their injuries were more severe than they thought. 

Notify the Insurance Company

Once everything starts to settle down, it’s important to file an insurance claim. Ideally, this should be done within a few days following the car accident. The driver can file with their own insurance company, which will handle going after the at-fault driver for compensation. It is important for drivers to understand their own insurance policy to know how to file a claim. 

Talk to a Lawyer About the Accident

Although the insurance company will handle going after the other driver for compensation, there can be complications or other issues that may mean the driver needs more help. It is always a good idea to talk to a lawyer about the accident to find out if they need help or if the settlement check is going to be sufficient.

Since most insurance companies will try to minimize the amount they pay out, it may be necessary to have a lawyer review the settlement offer before accepting it. 

If you’ve been in a car accident, the steps here can help make sure you’re safe, get the medical help you need, and have the evidence needed to request compensation for your injuries and damages. Schedule a consultation with a lawyer to learn more about how they can help you get sufficient compensation to cover all of your accident-related expenses.