So, you’ve been involved in a car accident… now what? A pretty common reaction is panic, and while common, we advise you to try to remain as calm as possible. If you’ve never been in this type of situation before, it can be pretty difficult to do so. With your car damaged and your emotions running high, it can be difficult to process everything happening. We’ve compiled the first things you should do if you are involved in a car accident.
Make Sure Others Involved are Okay
If you haven’t sustained any major injuries and are able, go make sure everyone else is okay. In the event someone is injured, call 911 immediately to get an ambulance at the scene. What if your accident is nothing major? You should still call the police because it’ll provide an official report to be given to your insurance company in case anything was to happen afterwards.
Move Somewhere Safe
Be sure to move to a safe area. If you’re still able to drive your car, move it to the shoulder, or off of the main road. Pulling off the road will help to ensure drivers passing by avoid hitting your car and causing a pile-up. Turn your hazard lights on in order to let others know to slow down. In the event there’s a fire hazard, be sure to get everyone to safety.
Document the Accident
Try to get as much information as possible from the other drivers involved. First and foremost, you’ll need their name and insurance information. Some drivers may be willing to give you their phone number. If there were any witnesses at the scene, ask for their contact information as well. Next, you’ll need to take pictures or videos of damage you/your vehicle incurred. It’s also a good idea to make a note on your phone of what happened. As time passes, it can be hard to remember exactly what occurred. So, write it down as soon as possible so you’ll have the evidence you need.
Should I File a Claim?
Deciding whether or not you should file a personal injury claim is a common question many people involved in an accident have. It can be pretty tempting to offer to pay cash if the accident was your fault and the damage is minor. But more often than not, there’s more damage than what meets the eye and this leaves many people paying more than what they bargained for. A study done by Consumer Reports found that accidents at 10mph that seemed to cause minor damage actually resulted in $3,000 to $6,000 in repairs. At the end of the day, whether you file a claim or not is completely your choice, but sometimes it is better to be safe than sorry. Consulting an attorney is always a good idea following an accident whether you decide to file a claim or not.
The Holman Law Firm is committed to providing the best legal service in Pensacola, Destin, Pace and Cantonment, FL, in a variety of legal areas including Family Law and Personal Injury. We specialize in Fathers’ Rights and will be there every step of the way to fight for your rights. Contact us now for a free consultation at our office or go online at www.holmanfirm.com.
Services We Offer:
Family Law | Child Custody | Divorce | Personal Injury | Auto Accidents
