If you are a vehicle owner or live in a high vehicular traffic area, you are at a higher risk of getting into a personal injury scenario. Whether you are a vehicle owner or just prefer to walk or ride a bike to and from your daily commute, it is best to arm yourself with knowledge on what to do when you are involved in such a situation. Whether you are on the receiving end or you have caused the injury, knowledge, and presence of mind are critical and the outcome of such an incidence will either be worsened or made better with what you do after such an incident.
Safety First
Assess the damage to yourself and then for your passengers as soon as you can after an accident. Avoiding further damage to yourself and others should be prioritized at this point. If your vehicle is in the middle of the road get out of the immediate area or try to drive it away from other speeding vehicles. Check yourself for serious injuries before scanning the area for other injured. Switch off your engine, turn on your hazard lights. Seek the help of authorities immediately by making the call or having someone make the call to the authorities.
Exchange and Gather Pertinent Information
Exchange relevant and accurate information for anyone involved in the accident for them to be able to contact you. Provide and cooperate with investigators and give them information such as full name, address, car details. This would also be a good time to think about a good personal injury lawyer. If there are no injuries, you may not need to give out or get any insurance information to the other party. If you are able, take pictures of the scene and the vehicles and the injuries sustained as these would prove to be an invaluable source of information during litigation or claims.
Watch What Is Being Said
Once everyone’s safety is established, be careful in what you say, such as freely admitting that you are at fault or saying that you are drunk. This can be easily used against you in a court proceeding. This does not only apply to criminal cases but more importantly in compensation and insurance claims. The less said the better, wait until you are out of the emergency situation before making any statements.
Final Words
The takeaway here is to keep calm and keep your wits about you when an accident happens. Having a clear mind before speaking or doing anything in the aftermath of an accident may dictate what happens in the course of claims and proceedings.
