No matter how safe of a driver you may feel that you are, it’s impossible to predict the actions of other drivers on the road. You can be as alert as possible, fully focused and driving the speed limit, and still be unable to avoid a crash.
With the weather starting to get cold, we can soon expect rain and even snow on the roads, so it’s important to be aware of what to do if something does happen while you’re driving. Check out these 3 things to know if you get in a car accident.
1. Getting Medical Attention is Crucial
According to this SC car accident checklist, getting medical attention is the most imperative thing you can do after an accident. Whether you feel injured immediately or not, it’s still necessary to seek medical attention. In some cases, pain might show up days or even weeks later. It’s also important to have a record of seeking medical help in order to receive the proper compensation for the crash.
Benjamin Sansone, a car accident injury attorney in St. Louis states that some injuries can have long-term effects. These long-term effects can play a huge role in the amount of compensation you receive. When you’re unable to work due to an injury, you could be entitled to lost wages or income.
2. Always Call the Police
Always file a report if you get into an accident. Robert Haddad, a car accident attorney in Virginia Beach explains how important this is for building a claim after you’ve been hit. The police will also be able to collect evidence from the scene and speak with any possible witnesses.
If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident, it’s incredibly important to call the police. Motorcycles have far less protection physically than cars or trucks, so suffering an injury in a motorcycle crash is not uncommon. According to Rock Hill motorcycle accident attorney, Bennett Schiller, medical expenses and lost wages make up the majority of the losses in most motorcycle accident claims. Because of this, filing a report is even more critical in building a strong case.
3. Be Cautious of What You Say
Make sure you get the contact information of the other driver as well as that of any witnesses who might be present at the scene. Keep the conversation with the at-fault driver short and sweet. Never apologize to the other driver or make comments that he or she could use against you.
If the other driver’s insurance company reaches out to you, be cautious of giving any information until after you speak with your lawyer. Their goal is to minimize damages as much as possible, and they could potentially use your own statement against you.
If you get in a car wreck, keep these 3 things in mind. Drive with caution, but always be prepared to take action if you do get in an accident.
