You may become disoriented when you’re involved in a car accident; however, you must try your best to remain composed to collect vital information from the other party. Even though the post-accident process may sound straightforward, it’s not always easy to manage because your emotions may get the best of you. Staying calm can help you document the wreck more accurately.
Continue reading to learn how to pull yourself together after a car accident.
Mitigating the Stress of a Car Collision
Every driver should have a car accident procedure in case they ever get involved in one. Even if you’re a safe driver, car accidents can happen out of nowhere, and a lack of preparation will make the situation more stressful.
Use our following list as a basis for your car accident checklist so that you can be prepared.
1. Make Sure Everyone is Safe.
If anyone is injured, you should call the police for help and request medical assistance. If the other party appears to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, let the police know. Even if no one seems to be injured, we recommend you get a hold of law enforcement because several car insurance companies refuse to cover an accident unless there’s a police report on file.
2. Ask Questions.
You will need the contact information of every person involved in the accident, including the other drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and witnesses. Ask for their full names, phone numbers, addresses, and driver’s license information. Do the following:
- Involve the police, even if someone says they’re fine. Some injuries may take weeks to show up.
- Take as many notes as you can about the accident. Are any of the cars damaged? What was the weather like at the time of the accident? Were any of the vehicles company-owned? Was any of the damage existent before the accident, such as faulty tail lights?
- Jot down information of the other cars involved, such as their license plate numbers, makes, and models.
- Determine who should take fault for the accident
- Write down the full names and badge numbers of the police officers who show up at the scene.
3. Take Photographic Evidence.
Unfortunately, it’s common for other parties to lie about their information after a car crash to avoid trouble. Don’t be afraid to use your phone’s camera to take pictures of the accident scene, cars, and people involved. Photos taken minutes after the collision will be the most valuable.
If your phone is low on battery, ask one of your passengers or a bystander to take pictures. You can also take photos of the license plates of every car involved, street signs, and skid marks.
Flickinger • Boulton • Robson • Weeks is Here for You
Dealing with a car accident is never a pleasant experience, especially when the other party doesn’t cooperate. One of the experienced car accident attorneys from Flickinger • Boulton • Robson • Weeks can help you receive compensation if the other driver is at fault.
Our team has spent more than 50 years combined representing personal injury cases. We have offices in Utah and Salt Lake Counties. Schedule your free case evaluation today.