What to Do after a Car Accident
Car accidents happen fast and in the aftermath, it can be difficult to know what you should do. Keeping calm and knowing what to do after a car accident can make the situation less stressful and protect your ability to make a claim.
After a car accident, you should:
- Move somewhere safe, but stay on the scene
- Check on others and get any necessary medical help
- Call the police
- Exchange contact information with others involved
- Document the scene
- File an insurance claim
Once you have taken these steps, you should contact a car accident attorney to discuss your case. At the Ramey Law Firm in Dallas, TX, we can assist you with all aspects of your car accident. Attorney Hardin Ramey can negotiate with your insurance company or file a lawsuit to ensure you receive the compensation you need to recover.
Were You in an Auto Accident? Follow These Six Easy Steps
Six Steps to Take after a Car Accident
The most important thing after an accident is safety. If you can stay calm and make focused decisions, you are more likely to protect your short-term health and your long-term ability to claim compensation for the accident.
Stay on the Scene
Do not leave the scene of an accident until you have spoken to the other affected drivers. If you leave without discussing the incident with other drivers or the police, you may be at risk of hit and run charges in the future.
Safety First
If possible, move all vehicles involved in the accident out of oncoming traffic to a safe place off the road. Make sure your car is off and turn on your hazards to alert other cars to the situation. You can also use cones, warning triangles, or flares if you have them with you.
Get Help
Once you are safe, check for injuries. If you have any doubts about whether someone needs medical attention, call an ambulance. You should also call the police, even for minor car accidents. An accident report can be invaluable when dealing with your insurance company or other drivers.
Mr. Ramey can investigate your accident and hold those responsible for their injuries accountable for their actions.
While you should cooperate with all medical professionals and the police, do not apologize or blame others at the scene. You do not have all the facts about the accident. If the police cannot come to the scene, you can file a report with the DMV.
Gather Information
Make sure to exchange contact and insurance information with all the other drivers involved in the incident. It is a good idea to make notes of:
- All driver and passenger names
- License plate numbers
- The makes and models of all vehicles
- The location of the incident
- Names and badge numbers of any officers who come to the scene
Take Photographs of the Scene
If you can safely do so, take photos of all damages and injuries which result from the accident. It is also a good idea to document the scene, including any hazards which may have contributed to the accident.
File an Insurance Claim
You can start the claim process with your insurance company immediately. However, you should not sign anything until an attorney has looked over the documents. There is no guarantee that your insurance provider has your best interests at heart. They may offer you a much lower settlement amount than you deserve.
When to Call an Attorney
We recommend contacting our office as soon as possible after an accident. As a car accident attorney, Hardin Ramey can assist you with every aspect of collecting compensation after your accident. He can negotiate with your insurance company to protect your best interests.
If your injuries are especially severe, you may need to file a lawsuit to cover the extensive medical bills and lost wages. Mr. Ramey can investigate your accident and hold those responsible for your injuries accountable for their actions.
Schedule a Consultation
If you have been in a car accident, you may feel overwhelmed by the prospect of dealing with the aftermath. Reach out to our practice online or call (972) 437-5577 to find out more about how we can help.
