A car accident lawyer specializes in providing legal assistance to individuals injured in automobile collisions. They handle claims, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent clients in court to ensure fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and damages. Their expertise is vital in navigating complex personal injury cases.
Whether you have faced a minor or major car accident, it can be nerve-wracking. Therefore, it is vital to know the steps to take immediately after an accident. The steps begin at the accident scene, and everyone present at the scene is ensured that they are safe.
Along with following the right steps, it is vital to seek help from an experienced Philadelphia auto accident lawyer who can file a claim on your behalf and protect your rights. A seven-step guide will help you determine your next steps after a car wreck.
1. Stay Calm
You must always stay calm after an accident, as it may be easier for you to deal with the aftermath.
2. Check for Injuries
The next thing at the accident scene is to check yourself and see if any passenger is injured or not. Immediately call 911 or ask someone to do it for you if your injuries prevent you from doing it. If you are injured severely, try to move only with some help.
3. Try to park your vehicle on the side
If your vehicle is on the road, try to move it to the side to avoid other vehicles colliding and free the roadway for passersby. If your injuries prevent you from doing this, you can ask for help. After that, ensure that you and others involved in the accident are in a safe spot away from the road.
4. Check for any vehicle damage
If you are not injured, try to assess if any vehicle damage is caused to your vehicle or the other party’s vehicle. You can try to take pictures of the cars, their position, and any damage to the vehicle. It may prove to be valuable evidence for you in the future if you have to file a claim.
5. Notify the law authorities
If the car accident is severe, you should immediately call the law enforcement authorities and ask for help. The police will create the accident report. You may request a copy of the police report, which may help to strengthen your claim in the future or may be helpful in insurance.
6. Gather information about another party
If possible, you can note down some information about the other driver, such as:
- The other driver’s phone number
- Model of the other driver’s vehicle
- Name and contact information for eyewitnesses, if any
- Name, badge number, and phone number of any law enforcement officers present at the accident scene
All this information will be helpful in the future.
7. Take a decision to file an insurance claim
Car insurance is to safeguard you financially in case you face an accident. There are different insurance companies that provide different coverage depending on your state. Some may include bodily injury and property damage liability coverage, while others may not. You must file a claim or not will vary depending on various factors such as
- Who is at fault?
- Extent of vehicle damage
- The severity of the injuries
- Amount of insurance coverage you have
- Type and amount of insurance coverage other driver has
If you plan to file a claim, you must notify the insurance company immediately. It is because every insurance company has its own procedure for claim filing. They may even ask you for some relevant information about your case.
Following these steps may help you easily navigate the complexities of the car accident and can make your overall experience a better one.
