Car accidents are events you do not plan on experiencing every time you drive your car. However, you take a serious risk whenever you get behind the wheel. Because these accidents are common, it makes sense to know what exactly to do after a car accident, especially if you tend to drive frequently. Also, you need to know your legal options after being injured while traveling on the road. If you have been in an accident and sustained injuries because of somebody else’s negligence, there are things you must do. These include the following:
Stay on the Accident Scene After You Get to Safety
Right after a crash, try to move your car off of the roadway, if possible. This way, you can prevent chain-reaction collisions or disrupt traffic flow. In Connecticut, leaving an accident scene carries some penalties.
Turn on the hazard lights if they are working. Also, set the traffic cones or flares out, so other motorists can clearly see the accident.
Check All People Involved
First, you must check yourself for injuries. Stay still if you are injured. If you feel okay, check everyone in your car for injuries. Then, if you can, try to check the other car’s occupants. If somebody is injured in the other car, contact 911 and stay by this person until the arrival of the first responders. If you suspect somebody sustained catastrophic injuries like spinal cord injuries, head injuries, back and neck injuries, as well as serious burns, wait for a trained medical team to handle the sufferers.
Exchange Information
As you approach the other driver, exchange information with them, including the names and contact information of all people involved in the accident, the vehicle’s license plate number, make, and model, as well as the other driver’s insurer. The report made by the police that arrive at the crash scene may include this information, but you still have to gather it to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of the report. If necessary, contact AirAmbulance1 for immediate medical assistance.
Collect Evidence
While you are at the accident scene, start collecting evidence. Take photos of the cars involved in the crash and those that show the weather conditions and traffic when the accident occurred. Also, take photos of skid marks and debris on the roadway.
Aside from photos, you must also take notes to make sure you remember significant details. These include the accident date and time, the exact location of the crash, the directions you and the other motorist were traveling in, contributory road or weather conditions, and information about the responding officers. Also, write a brief description of what occurred.