Getting into a car accident is an incredibly stressful experience. In the moments after you’ve crashed, it can be difficult to think clearly and know what to do. It’s important to remember that your decisions in those first few minutes can have long-term consequences for both parties involved. To help you make the best choices possible, here are some things you should and shouldn’t do after crashing into a car.
Things You Should Do
It’s first important to determine the things you should do after a car crash. People from all around the Big Apple often consult a car accident lawyer in New York which is a smart move because these professionals know what to do. Below are some things they will often suggest to their clients.
Check For Injuries
Being involved in a car accident can be a truly terrifying experience, especially when injuries are involved. After any such incident, the first thing you should do is check that everyone involved is safe and unharmed. It’s important to go through this step before addressing the damages or vehicles, as the well-being of those involved is paramount.
Remember to not move anyone if they seem injured, as there could be undetected internal injuries, and moving them could endanger their health even further. If someone else is driving the car, ask if they need help as they might also be in a state of shock or confusion and may require help in taking stock of what has happened.
Call The Police
If you’ve been involved in an automobile accident, one of the most important things to do is to get the police involved. No matter how minor or serious the crash was, calling the police ensures that an official record of the incident has been created. Because accidents can be hectic and stressful at times, it can be helpful for both parties to have an unbiased third party involved, especially when it comes to insurance companies. Additionally, this may ascertain whether any laws were broken at the scene of the car crash.
Hire A Lawyer
After a car accident, it can be an overwhelming situation. You may think that the best thing to do is simply to work out your insurance claims with the other party involved. Unfortunately, navigating insurance companies and the legal process can be difficult, especially if there is an injury involved. Hiring a lawyer can take this burden off your shoulders because they have the expertise and experience to help you understand your rights and get the best possible outcome for you.
Exchange Information
After crashing into a car, it’s important to make sure that you exchange information with the other driver safely and correctly. Be sure to get the following:
- contact info of the other driver, including their full name, address, phone number
- insurance policy number
- their license plate number
- car make and model
Remember to stay calm when exchanging info even amidst a stressful situation as it’ll make both drivers feel more comfortable.
Things You Shouldn’t Do
There are also things you must never do when in this kind of situation. These situations are stressful and make people act irrationally which leads to further complications. Here are the things you should avoid.
Admit Fault
One of the key things to remember is not to admit fault for the accident, even if you think you were at least partially responsible. While it may seem like an innocuous thing to do in order to peacefully resolve the situation, this admission of guilt could end up having legal implications down the road, leaving you on the hook for any potential damages incurred by the other vehicle or party involved.
Leave The Scene
After being involved in a car crash, it is important to remember not to leave the scene. It doesn’t matter who’s to blame for the accident, driving away from the collision can result in additional legal and financial repercussions that are avoidable. This will help you stay safe from further harm and prevent any additional legal consequences, so make sure to remain at the site where the crash occurred.
Don’t Discard Damaged Parts
While it’s understandable to feel anxious in the aftermath of a car crash, it’s important that you don’t discard damaged parts and leave the scene. Broken headlights, side panels or bumpers, and other pieces could be the smoking gun needed to determine fault and liability. All parts should remain where they were found so that both parties can make an accurate assessment when filing forms with their insurance companies and/or the police report.
All in all, if you have just had a car crash, it is of the utmost importance to stay calm and take care of anyone who may be injured. After that, provide as much information as you can to the police. Remember, your lawyer or insurer will help look out for your interests when it matters most. Also, it isn’t wise to admit fault at the scene of an accident, no matter how many times an insurance adjuster may try to get you to do so. Finally, if possible take pictures of any damaged parts and don’t discard them until they are inspected further.
