Car accidents are unfortunately extremely common – More than 90 people die in car accidents every day in the USA. Another sad fact is that even if you are the safest driver on the road, someone else might not be, which can still impact you significantly.
If you are in the unlucky circumstance of having been in a car accident, here are some of the steps you can take to help get everything back on track.
Check Everyone Involved Is Alright
Of course, the first port of call in any car accident is to make sure that everyone involved is okay. If there are people who need immediate medical attention, then call an ambulance or emergency services as soon as possible. Everything else can wait.
Get to a Safe Place
Wherever your accident has taken place, it is important to assess the situation and make sure you are safe to collect details. If the accident has happened in the middle of the road, be quick to get everyone moved to the side and out of harm’s way, especially as accidents in the road can catch other drivers by surprise and cause further accidents.
If you have an emergency kit in your car that can help notify other drivers to avoid the area, then use that if you can use it safely to prevent any other accidents from happening and alert other drivers to slow down.
Notify Officials and Get Details
If you are in a position to after an accident, make sure to notify officials as soon as possible. If there are a few witnesses, then try to get as many details as you can so they are able to provide statements when law enforcement arrives. If you or the witnesses’ are short on time, collect a name and number at the very least. You will need their collaboration at a later date for issues such as insurance or consulting an attorney. An official police report is also vital for taking your case further.
Contact a Trusted Attorney
If the car accident you have been involved in was not your fault, there is a good chance that you will want to speak to a trusted attorney company such as Horst Shewmaker to help you understand what case you have on your hands and to see what they can do to help. The car accident attorney lake oswego oregon that you choose should be experienced enough in handling similar type of cases.
Notify Your Insurance
Your insurance will need to know as soon as possible if you have been in an accident, so be sure to notify them as soon as possible. There are a few reasons you should do this, one of them being that your insurance company will help you sort out any immediate repairs if this is applicable. It is also important to get ahead of the game if the other driver does not have any insurance, as you could be held responsible for covering everything if your insurance company is not alerted within a reasonable time.
