Every year in the United States, over 4.4 million people are injured, killed, and involved in automobile accidents.
Car accidents happen to people regardless of where they live or who they are. It is an unfortunate fact that most drivers will experience some level of a car accident in their life.
Your first car accident can be a scary, painful experience but knowing what to do can help make it better.
What to Do
The following are tips on what you should do if you’re in a car accident.
1. Stop
No matter how minor an accident seems, you should always stop and resolve the situation. Even a minor accident with no injuries and little damage has to be handled immediately.
2. Call the Police
When you are involved in an accident, you should always call the police. The police will make a report about what happened and will determine who was at fault. This is an important step in receiving possible compensation for property or medical costs.
3. Make An Accurate Record of Everything
Getting over your first car accident is not easy, but it is important to be accurate when describing what happened. This accuracy plays a critical role in how quickly you can recover legally, medically, and mentally.
4. Contact a Lawyer
Having a lawyer represent you is the best way to deal with insurance companies and any legal trouble that could come from your accident. They are trained to deal with these situations. Follow the instructions of your lawyer.
5. Seek Medical Attention
If there is even the slightest chance you could be hurt, you need to seek medical attention. This is very important if you hit your head or feel any discomfort in your torso. You can’t see all injuries.
What Not to Do
Here are tips on what you shouldn’t do if you’re involved in a car accident.
1. Don’t Leave the Scene
No matter how scared, injured, or upset you may be, do not leave the accident. Hit and run penalties can range from misdemeanor charges to felony arrests.
2. Don’t Forget to Exchange Information
You should always exchange contact information and insurance information with the other driver. This is true if you rear-end a vehicle and also true if you are hit by a vehicle.
3. Don’t Allow Yourself to Become Angry or Violent
Staying calm is the best way to deal with any crisis. When you’ve been in your first car accident that is easier said than done, but it is just as important.
4. Don’t Speak to Insurance Companies Without Legal Representation
Never speak to an insurance company without a lawyer representing you. This can lead to you losing benefits and possibly missing out on compensation.
5. Don’t Tough It Out
Thinking that you’re okay can lead to a lot of problems. Your vehicle can be repaired. If an internal injury has occurred, you could die.
The Aftermath of Your First Car Accident
Don’t risk your livelihood or extreme stress after your first car accident. Once you have taken all the appropriate steps, you will need to get your car fixed. At Limerick Auto Body, we can pick up your vehicle and help repair it. Let us help you.
If you’re in the Limerick, PA area and have been in a car accident, contact us.