Car crashes are extremely common, but many people don’t know what to do in the aftermath. First and foremost is your safety and the safety of everyone else at the crash site. The first step should be to call 9-1-1. You’ll need to assess the situation, check if anyone is injured, see if any of the vehicles are on fire, and find out if any of the vehicles are leaking fluids. You should also make sure that the vehicles are not in danger of causing additional car accidents. If you are able to do so safely, take a picture of the cars as they appear immediately after the crash at the crash scene. That can help accident reconstructionists determine what happened in the crash.
Document the Scene
Once everyone is safe, start documenting the scene. Almost everyone in today’s world carries a cell phone with a fully functioning camera. Use it. Take photographs. The more, the better. Take photographs of the vehicles involved, any skid marks on the roadway, any road conditions (i.e., rain, debris, etc.). Take photographs of any insurance information for anyone else involved in the car accident. Get the contact information for any and all witnesses to the crash to make sure that adequate witnesses are available in case your case goes to trial. Take a video of your account of what happened to preserve it when it is freshest in your mind. In this video, include how you are feeling and if you are in any pain.
Talk With Witnesses
Get contact information for any and all witnesses to the crash to make sure that adequate witnesses are available in case your case goes to trial. Get the information for any and all emergency personnel who respond to the scene. This includes the police officers, paramedics, and firefighters. If possible, also get the information of passenger in both vehicles.
Call a Medical Professional
If you are injured or have pain, it is important to allow the medical professionals to assess you and, if necessary, transport you to the hospital. All of these things can be done at the initial crash site if they can be done safely.
Call an Attorney
The attorneys at Shlesinger & deVilleneuve can help you after a car accident. We can help obtain optimal results for our clients. Contact us today.
