How to Handling Things at the Scene of a Car Accident
No one is ever prepared for a car accident and few are prepared to handle a Car Accident Scene. Whether you see the collision coming or you’re caught completely off-guard, the aftermath of an auto accident usually feels like complete chaos. It’s easy to forget to do something important, speak to the wrong person, or make unadvisable choices in the midst of questions from the police, hounding from other parties involved, inquiries from bystanders, or complete strangers barking orders at you. There is also the possibility that you will have been injured in the accident – and you may not even be aware of your injury yet, especially if it’s a traumatic brain injury that is slow to reveal itself – and that can be terrifying.
Should you ever be involved in an auto accident, or should you have the opportunity to advise a loved one or friend about the best way to manage their own collision, keep the following in mind:
- Contact the police: The first thing that should be done at the car accident scene is to call the police. This notification officially records that the accident occurred, and the authorities will do all the investigation at the scene so that they can piece together a story from evidence, statements from those involved, and comments from witnesses.
- Contact an auto accident attorney: While you may think it’s necessary to call your insurance company as soon as possible, it is often in your best interest to contact a personal injury attorney first. Your car accident lawyer will take care of all the insurance details on your behalf. Retaining the services of an attorney does not automatically mean you will be suing the other party or parties involved in the accident, but it does signal that you are concerned about your rights after a car accident. You’re protecting yourself and your assets with an attorney’s help.
- Accept medical treatment: Car accident injuries are sneaky. In many situations, aches and pains do not make themselves known immediately which makes self-diagnoses at the scene of a car accident a dangerous thing. Always accept medical treatment, even if you feel fine and don’t think you’re hurt. Shock and trauma can insulate you from pain for a little while, but that doesn’t mean an injury is not present. Getting medical attention of course feels like just one more hassle at the scene of an accident, but it’s for your own good. A paramedic will recognize symptoms of a concussion or other injuries that you or others do not have the training to spot, and this early recognition can get you on the path to recovery more quickly, protect you from serious problems later, and buoy your car accident case should you choose to file a claim or lawsuit.
- Put your smartphone to work: Once you have been seen by medical personnel at the car accident scene, and if you are well enough to move around the accident area, use your smartphone to your advantage. Chances are, your phone is never far from your side, so now is the time to put it to work. Document the accident and time of day with photographs and videos of things like vehicle damage, debris, license plates, bodily injuries, marks on the road, and witness statements. Record your own statement, or type up your thoughts in an email or the notes function so it is time-stamped. A smartphone has the capability to gather very powerful evidence that you may need later in your auto accident case.
- Don’t talk to just anyone: The police will have plenty of questions for you about what happened at the car accident scene. Your attorney will want all of the information you can provide too. But after you’ve spoken with these two entities, make it a point to keep your mouth pretty much sealed. Your insurance adjuster is working in their best interest, not yours, and even an offhand comment you make about the day of your car accident could impact whatever settlement you might receive. Do not speak with the other driver involved in the car accident other than to exchange personal contact information and insurance information – leave the details and difficult conversations up to your attorney
A car accident can happen in a second and the aftermath can cause a lifetime of misery. Make sure that the right auto accident lawyer is working to help secure the safety of your financial future for you and your family.
Christensen Law – The Michigan Auto Accident Lawyer Who Gets Results
If you or someone you love has been involved in an auto accident in Michigan, visit an experienced personal injury attorney who gets the kind of case results that offer compensation for your serious injuries. Christensen Law handles all accidents involving a motor vehicle, including:
Hire veteran Michigan auto accident attorney David Christensen to handle your case.
