What to Do After a Car Accident

 Posted on April 14, 2019 in Car Accidents

If you haven’t already, you will likely be in a car accident at some point in your life. Studies have shown that the average driver will have at least one vehicle-related accident once every twenty years. This likelihood increases when the driver regularly engages in bad driving practices such as drunk driving, driving while tired, or while talking on the phone. The likelihood of a car accident also increases based on the age of the driver with teenage drivers having a significantly higher probability than adults. If, or when, you get into a car accident there are five tips you should keep in mind.

Assess the Situation

After you have been in an accident, remain aware of your environment. If you feel that you have been injured then stay in your vehicle. Remain inside until emergency services arrive. If the circumstances demand that you leave your car then do so slowly and careful while remaining aware of your surroundings. Move to a safe location and stay there.

Call the Emergency Services

If you can move then call 911 and alert the police and the emergency services that an accident has occurred. Once they’ve arrived be polite and cordial and work with the police in relaying what happened.

Check to See the Condition of the Other Driver

No matter who caused the accident all the parties involved in a car accident should show concern for each other. If a party is injured assess how badly hurt, they are and relay that information to the emergency services. If no one is hurt then encourage all the parties to move to a safe location.

Remain at the Scene and Turn Your Hazards On

Remember, your accident is not just affecting you and the others involved in the crash, but everyone on the road. Stay put, wait for the police and the emergency services. If your vehicle retains some functionality turn your hazard lights on to make other drivers on the road aware that an accident has just occurred.

Be Polite

Nothing ruins a person’s day more than being in a car accident even if the accident is the fault of the other party that is no excuse not to be cordial and respectful. If no one is seriously injured then work together to access the damages and exchange insurance information. Wait for the police to arrive and be sure to gather as much information as you can.

Contact a Wheaton Car Accident Lawyer

As much as we’d like not to think about it, car accidents are a daily fixture of our lives. We see and hear about them occurring every single day and eventually we may be involved in one. When that happens, then you may require legal representation. The experienced DuPage County car accident lawyers at The Law Offices of David W. Clark, P.C. are well versed in handling vehicle-related accidents and injuries and will be there to help you if you ever get into an accident. If you would like a free initial consultation, you can contact us at 630-665-5678.

Sources:

https://www.dmv.org/insurance/post-accident-checklist.php

https://www.rd.com/advice/things-to-do-after-car-accident/

https://safer-america.com/car-accident-statistics/