Let’s face it . . car accidents are scary. If you’ve been the unfortunate victim of a car accident in SC, you know it happens suddenly and without warning. BOOM! So suddenly, in fact, the first thought to pop into your head after an accident may very well be, “What just happened!?!” Often, you will take quick look at your surroundings to answer that very question. What DID happen? Who hit who? Where is the “other car” in relation to mine? How did my car get over here? Am I okay? If others are in the car with you, are THEY okay? Hundreds of thoughts in a matter of seconds as your heart rate seems to double then triple. What to do?
This blog will give a list of ten things to do immediately following a car accident. Later posts will give further direction and instruction on hiring Luke Adams Law to represent you in your personal injury case following a motor vehicle accident. I will explain the process, and let you know what you can expect from signing me up as your attorney, to signing your name, endorsing the back of your settlement check!
TEN THINGS TO DO IMMEDIATELY AFTER AN AUTO ACCIDENT
- REMAIN CALM Don’t freak out! Because the JOLT you get from a car accident is unexpected and comes from out of nowhere, it may be very difficult not to freak out. Do your best remain calm. Take a deep breath to gather yourself before trying to figure out what happened.
- LOOK AROUND Take a look at your immediate surroundings. The one (or two) most important questions to answer: “Am I okay?” And if others are in the car with you, ask: “Is everybody okay?”
- GET TO SAFETY Get help and get out of harm’s way. If your vehicle is disabled and you are in a high traffic area, as quickly and safely as you are able to, get to safety and out of harm’s way. If you are in need of immediate assistance, do your best to let anyone around know that you need help.
- CALL 9-1-1 It is important to call 9-1-1 from the scene of the accident for a couple reasons. First is to get the medical attention you need as quickly as possible. Second is because you WANT police to respond to the scene, in order for there to be an official record of the accident. The responding officer will complete an incident report known as an FR-10. Do your best to remain calm while waiting for emergency personnel to arrive.
- EXCHANGE INFORMATION Get the name, contact information, and insurance information of the other driver involved in the accident. It’s okay to provide your insurance information to the other driver as well. Do not, however, admit responsibility for the accident. And as cold and indifferent as this may sound, do NOT apologize to the other driver, as this may later be construed as an admission of responsibility. An admission of responsibility and/or an apology may cause liability to be shifted from the other driver to you, either in part, or entirely. Let the police make that determination.
- TAKE PICTURES/VIDEO If you are able, take pictures or a video of the scene of the accident. Take pictures of the property damage to your car. Take a picture of where both cars are in relation to one another. This can be used as evidence to show you were not at fault if it is later questioned. If you have any visible injuries, cuts, scrapes, bruises, or heaven forbid, broken bones, take pictures of those as well.
- WITNESSES If possible, get the name and contact information of any witnesses to the accident.
- POLICE REPORT Get a copy of the FR-10 Incident Report from the responding officer.
- MEDICAL ATTENTION Cooperate with emergency personnel once they arrive. If an ambulance dispatched, allow them to check your vitals, and clearly communicate any injuries you may have that you may have. If you are in need of further medical care and are offered transportation to a local hospital, take it. Especially if you are in significant pain, or if you are experiencing dizziness, a headache, light sensitivity, or nausea.
- MAKE THAT CALL Once you are safe at home, if you feel like you need legal assistance, call an attorney that can help you with a Personal Injury Claim. I would be honored for you to call Luke Adams Law, or contact me online. I will be happy to answer any questions you have and work with you to get you what you deserve!
Check back later for more insight as we navigate the tricky waters of an accident/injury claim.
