Getting into a car accident can be stressful. You’re shaken up (and you might even be bruised), it’s late, and you don’t know where to go or who to contact. And you don’t know what to do! After a car accident, many essential things need your attention – from reporting the accident to dealing with your insurance company. In case of a car wreck in San Antonio, you need to contact an accident lawyer. Read on to learn what you need to do after a car accident.
Check for Injuries
Even if you don’t think something is broken or sprained, it’s important to get checked in the hospital. If you do not have health insurance, go anyway. You can get free care at most hospitals if they find that another driver’s negligence caused your injuries after an accident.
Safely Move Your Vehicle Out of Traffic
- Check your mirrors. If you have rearview mirrors, check them to see what’s behind you. Make sure that the driver in the vehicle behind you knows that there is an accident and is slowing down.
- Check your blind spots. Use your side mirrors to make sure that no one is approaching from either side of your car before moving out of traffic or parking on a highway shoulder.
Call the Police
Even though you may not be injured and it seems like there isn’t any damage to your car, you must call the police as soon as possible. The police will take down your report of what happened and want to photograph the scene. They can also make sure that no injuries need immediate medical attention.
Exchange Information With All Drivers Involved
After a car accident, it is essential to exchange information with all drivers involved in the collision. You should get:
- The other driver’s information
- The license plate number, make, and model of the other vehicle
- The name, address, and phone number of any witnesses
Get a Copy of the Police Report
It is an official record of what happened in your accident, and it serves as proof that you were at fault or not, depending on your situation. You’ll need this record to file an insurance claim or lawsuit. The police report will also assist with filing workers’ compensation claims if anyone was injured during the car accident and requires medical attention.
Take Pictures of the Scene
It includes photos of your vehicle, road, and other vehicles involved in the accident. Taking pictures of the damage will be important when you file an insurance claim or lawsuit. Similarly, capturing photos of other drivers’ vehicles and license plates can help prove that you were not at fault. Taking pictures after a car accident is also an excellent way to document any injuries you may have sustained.
Call Your Insurance Company
Report the accident to your insurance company. (This is important because you’ll need to report any accidents during the policy period.) Get a copy of their claims procedure and claims forms. It’s not always easy finding these online; calling them should help you out if they’re not readily available on their website or want more information about how things work before filing a claim.
Document Your Injuries and Other Damages
After a car accident, it is essential to document your injuries and damages related to the crash.
- Please take photos of any visible injuries to be used later when submitting them as evidence or documentation at court proceedings.
- Write down everything you remember about how exactly each vehicle was damaged and how much it cost to repair them (if applicable). It would help to note any medical treatment costs you incurred as a result of the accident
Get a Rental Car
Getting your vehicle repaired is the first thing on your mind, but don’t forget that you need to get a rental car while your vehicle is getting fixed.
Consult an Attorney
After a car accident, you may need an attorney. However, before you consult an attorney, make sure that: You have gathered all of the relevant information about your case. It includes police reports or witness statements, photos of any damage to your vehicle and the other vehicle; medical records; receipts for any repairs on either vehicle.
Being in a car accident is highly stressful, especially if you feel it’s your fault. One of the best things you can do is remain calm and be prepared to take care of some post-accident business. Because preparing for and following up after an accident is necessary if you are to recover from it financially and emotionally.