1. Stay Safe & Remain Calm
The impact of another car hitting you, or you hitting another car, is an unexpected, horrific experience. For the first few seconds after impact, you may be dazed and unaware. Once you realize what happened, if possible, quickly move your vehicle to a safe place. If it is not safe to move your vehicle, stay put until help comes. The shoulder on either side of a highway or a grassy spot beside a road is a good place to pull over. If you are able, maneuver your car to a safe place. Turn on your hazard lights or use flares. After you move your car, stay there. Try your best to remain calm in the situation. Do whatever it takes to get control of your emotions. You may experience a range of emotions but it is important to remain calm and deal with any of the others involved in a civilized manner. The calmer you are, the more prepared you will be to deal with the car accident.
2. Call the Police
Once you are in a safe place off the highway or road, turn the engine off and call the police. If you are in a safe place, stay in your car and wait for help. Dial 911 to report the accident and its location.
3. Gather Information
When the police arrive, you will want to exchange information with the other driver. You will want to have as much information about the other driver, so that you can file a police report and file a claim with your insurance company.
Ask the other driver for the following information:
▪ name
▪ address
▪ phone number — home, work, cell
▪ insurance company
▪ insurance policy number
▪ license plate number
▪ make, model, and year of car
4. Get Medical Attention If You Are Injured
Be sure to alert police and medical personnel of any injuries. Major injuries will be noticed at the time of the accident. Be sure to seek medical attention if you suspect a personal injury. If you experience pain or discomfort in the days following the accident, go to your doctor.
5. File a Claim
As soon as you can, contact your insurance company. Give your insurance company the information from your conversations with the other drivers. Be sure to give any police reports to the insurance company as well.
6. Insurance Settlement
If the accident wasn’t your fault, it is likely you will hear from the other driver’s insurer soon after the accident. The insurance adjuster may offer you a monetary settlement for your losses. You may be thinking it is less than you deserve. Very often the insurance adjuster will try to settle your claim in a quick, cost effective manner. It is important to think about a fair settlement before you sign anything an insurance adjuster presents to you. You could sign away your right to the compensation that you are entitled to.
7. Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer
If you have suffered a personal injury due to a car crash, you will likely benefit greatly from the assistance of experienced West Columbia Personal Injury Lawyer. A personal injury car accident attorney can review your case. At The Allen Law Firm, our personal injury lawyer provide you with a free initial consultation and educate you about what to expect. We walk you through the important steps you should take to protect yourself and get the settlement you deserve. If you have a significant claim due to injuries and other losses, a personal injury lawyer can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf and take the case to court if necessary. Each personal injury case is unique, but in most instances an experienced personal injury attorney can obtain a better car accident settlement than you could on your own. We offer aggressive personal injury representation, If you have been injured in a car accident, call The Allen Law Firm today at 803-764-2328
