7 Things to do Immediately Following an Auto Accident

It only takes an instant for a car accident to occur. It can be extremely disorienting and you may not know what to do amidst all the confusion and chaos. However, if you remember the guidelines mentioned in this article, you can make sure that the situation is well handled, all while securing important details that could make all the difference in a possible injury recovery case. These guidelines represent the crux of guidance issued by the California Highway Patrol (‘CHP’) and California DMV.

• Your first priority should be to handle any injuries that may have taken place, depending on how serious the injuries are. Your physical well-being is top priority so address and handle any and all injuries that can be addressed with basic first-aid, for everything else, you should call 911 immediately.
• At this point, you should inform the state or local police.  If they advise you, move your vehicles out of the way, and to the side. As a precaution, take pictures prior to moving the cars. This can help later on with insurance claims, and if the need arises, the courts as well.
• Now you need to talk to the driver of the other vehicle. Exchange the information that you need to such as information about insurance, license plates, state of residence, drivers’ licenses, vehicle registrations etc. If the other driver does not want to cooperate gather what is easily available such as license plate number, a physical description, make and model of the vehicle and even the vehicle identification number (VIN) which is found in the lower right corner of all vehicle windshields.
• Capture all the possible details of the incident. This includes prevalent traffic conditions, weather & whether there was something causing a bottleneck in the traffic etc. Take pictures of the incident if you haven’t already done so. Again, this could come in very handy when you go to your insurance company, and a possible court case. Details often slip the mind with time, so documenting everything immediately is crucial.
• California Highway Patrol advises that you should neither blame nor accept responsibility for anything. That is something that the insurance companies, and possibly the courts, will determine. When law enforcement is present they will typically make a report and statements made and recorded could reduce the potential for a favorable outcome in any litigation.
• If passersby have stopped and gathered around, see if they can agree to be witnesses and get their contact information. Witnesses can be invaluable in corroborating your story.
• Once you are off the road and at home, make sure you go over your insurance policy to know the full extent of your coverage, and act accordingly. In many situations it will require contacting them to make a claim or report. Understanding your rights as a victim are also important, so contacting an auto accident personal injury attorney is also important.

Auto accidents are one of the most common types of personal injury cases both handled outside and in the courtroom. Being present of mind after an accident can make the difference. While the shock and stress factor after an accident can make it hard to stay focused, following these general guidelines could help more than you could ever imagine.

If you or someone you know was recently involved in a serious auto accident, and want to protect your rights as a victim, consulting with an auto accident personal injury attorney may be the best next step. The Law Offices of Justin H. King fights for victims of auto accidents and can work towards a resolution that protects your rights as a victim. You can learn more about them here.

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The Law Office of Justin H. King