A car accident is most of our worst nightmares. Especially when we see on TV those dramatic moments before a car burst into flames. However most collisions will never be this severe or crazy, but it is still always worth you being safe on the road in any case. Today we are going to talk about all of the things you should think about doing if you ever do get into a car crash.
1. Stop
No matter how minor a collision may seem to you, you must never ever drive away from the scene before you have been able to exchange details with the other parties involved in the collision with you. Stay and try to gain any information you need.
2. Prevent further accidents
When you get into an accident in the road, it can be a danger to everyone else around you and this is especially true when you are on a dual carriageway or the motorway. Make sure that you put your hazard lights on straight away and keep them on at all times so that other drivers have a warning before they approach you.
3. Call the police
The most important thing to do as soon as an accident has occurred is to get help now and get medical attention for anyone who needs it. Call the police and they will be able to come and help secure the scene and direct the traffic around you. Call an ambulance to ensure that you are safe and sound and that everyone is treated for any injuries they may have sustained.
4. Make a record
One of the things which will come in handy later on when you are working in the field is a record of the accident and how/ when/ where it happened. Be sure to record the time of the accident and write down all of the names and addresses of people involved as well as anyone who could act as a witness in court. This will help you if you need to build an injury case and it will be a huge help.
5. Take photos
Whatever you do while you are out and about near the scene of the crash, take a minute to get some photographs. Photographs speak a thousand words and if you can take a few great images of the accident scene you could end up having a much more successful case when you get to court. If you can record a video of the scene this can be even better and it will allow the lawyers to see the whole scene in context and get a better idea of what may have happened to you.
6. Exchange information
As you will know, the best thing you can do when it comes to an accident is to take the time to exchange as much information about each other as you can. This will include the name and address and email address etc… of the other party involved, and ideally information for the witnesses of the crash. Witnesses can be the difference between a success and a failure so this is super important for you to do.
7. Report it
It is incredibly important for you as a claimant to report the accident within a few days of it happening. If you wait for a long while to make a claim, this can go against you in court and people will wonder why you waited and didn’t just report it right away. Make sure that you take the time out of your day to report every little thing and this can make all the difference when it comes to court.
8. Be treated
Getting the right treatment for your wounds might seem like the most obvious thing in the world but it is always worth remembering. The treatment you receive after an injury will cost you money and you will need to keep a record of every treatment, the time you spend in the hospital and the medicine you have been given. Having a record will allow you to show people what you are owed and this will allow them to pay you the correct compensation.
9. Keep a file
From the start to the end of a case you will want to keep a file of every little thing. This will include information of drivers and witnesses, photographs, medical bills and records and any other information you need. This will be used to form a case for you and make sure that you are compensated for your trouble.