Seven Practical Things to Do After a Car Accident
You aren’t going to get a settlement on the side of the Stevenson Expressway and you aren’t likely to get the other driver to admit fault on the side of the Eisenhower Expressway, but there are still important things that you can do to protect your rights after a car accident.
Seven Things to Do If You are Physically Able
Your car crash recovery may start at the accident scene and continue for many months after the moment of impact. Accordingly, it may be important for you to:
- Call 911. Police and first responders should be dispatched to the scene of your accident.
- Accept emergency medical help and follow-up medical care. You want to manage your pain and begin recovering from your injuries.
- Take pictures of the accident scene. This may be important evidence in any legal action.
- Get the names and contact information of witnesses. They may be useful to your recovery.
- Notify your employer. You may be out of work, depending on your injuries.
- Watch what you say and whom you say it to. Now is not the time to update your Facebook status or to become best friends with the other driver.
- Call a lawyer. Let your attorney worry about what to do next to protect your financial recovery while you concentrate on your physical recovery.
Of course, every accident is unique and you shouldn’t panic if you are unable to do everything on this list. You may still be able to make a fair recovery.
Want to Be Prepared?
Things can quickly become confusing at the scene of an accident. It is hard for anyone to remember what to do in a stressful situation. For that reason, we encourage you to download our FREE car accident app to your smartphone. Keep it with you and open it if you are involved in an accident. It will walk you through the steps that you need to take and remind you of what you can do to stay safe.
