Even if you are driving carefully and obeying all the traffic laws like a morally upstanding citizen, there is no guarantee that everyone on the road will do the same. No matter how hard we try to avoid them, vehicular accidents happen to all of us at some point in our lives. While most people’s first reaction to a car accident might be shock or panic, the best thing to do after getting involved in a car accident is to stay calm. A Virginia car accident attorney has provided several important steps for you to take to ensure the safety of you and your loved ones involved in the accident. While the aftermath of an accident can often be confusing and exhausting, you can streamline your legal efforts if you take all the right steps.
Stop
Even if the accident is minor or caused due to your negligence, you should stop immediately. Driving away from the scene of an accident counts as a hit-and-run and is a criminal offense.
Checking for Injuries
The first step is to check yourself and the passengers in your car for any visible injuries. If you or someone in your car is injured and their life is in danger, do not hesitate to call 911. While on the call with a 911 operative, you should request immediate medical assistance for the injured and report the accident to the local law enforcement authorities.
Get to Safety
The second important thing to do in the wake of an accident is to get yourself out of the vehicle and to a safe spot. If your car is working after the accident, it is best to move it out of the active traffic and park it alongside the road. It is best to turn on the parking lights and wait for the medics and the law enforcement to arrive at the scene.
Document the Accident
After making sure you and other passengers are safe, you should start documenting the accident. Take clear photos of your car and the scene of the accident. Keep a written record or voice notes detailing the circumstances around the accident. If possible, briefly interview the witnesses at the scene of the accident and get their view.
Exchange Information
Both drivers need to exchange personal and insurance information. The amount of information you are legally required to provide to the other party varies between different states.
Report the Accident
It is best to report the accident as soon as you can to your insurance provider. All reputable insurance companies require victims to report the accident with all the relevant information to process their case. Also, some companies offer medical benefits as part of the wider insurance coverage. The medical bills related to the accident may be covered under the med pay insurance.
Hire an Attorney
The most important thing to do after an accident is to protect your rights. You should contact a well-reputed law firm and discuss your case with an experienced personal injury lawyer in your initial consultation. Hiring an attorney to handle your legal matters can provide you the much-needed relief after an accident and keep your rights safeguarded.
