If you have been in any type of vehicle accident, whether a car, motorcycle, truck, or bus accident, there are certain things you should do right away. If your accident has already happened then you can skip right to calling a personal injury attorney for a free legal consultation. To prepare for future accidents, keep reading to find out the seven things that should be done after an accident.
- Move away from other vehicles
- Call 911
- Stay calm
- Gather evidence
- Request a copy of the police report
- See a doctor
- Contact a personal injury attorney
The first thing to do is get away from the scene of the accident. This does not mean actually leaving the scene but remember that the accident scene is dangerous. If you are in a busy area, there may be vehicles traveling toward you at a high speed and they are not expecting to come across a crash. If possible, move your vehicle off the road. If not, leave the vehicle and move off the road to a safe area.
Calling 911 will notify the police of the accident, which is required by law if there is an injury and / or if there is property damage of more than $1,000, and it will summon emergency medical help. Even if the injuries seem minor, it is best to have a medical professional assess them.
Do not leave the scene of the accident until a police officer has arrived and told you that you can leave – unless you are in need of immediate medical attention. As you wait for the police, remain calm. This is a stressful situation but breathing and maintaining a level head will help.
It is common for a person in an accident to not be immediately thinking about gathering evidence but the truth is that much of the most important evidence can disappear when the scene is cleared. If you can safely do so, take photos and videos of the accident scene. Write down license information and get insurance information.
The report will include the officer’s observations and contact information for everyone involved. It is possible to request a copy after the fact but it can take days or weeks. It’s best to request it at the scene of the accident. If the officer can’t give you a report, then request the file number.
Many injuries seem minor at first but get worse quickly or end up being more serious than the victim thought. Visiting a doctor will not only help you ensure you are free from injury, but it may be necessary as evidence if you have to file a personal injury lawsuit.
You can reach an experienced personal injury attorney by calling The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000. Our offices are standing by to assess your case and let you know what your options are.
