What Should I Do After a Car Accident? Car accidents occur daily for a variety of reasons, but when it happens to you and your loved ones, especially when serious or fatal injuries are involved, the game changes. After the crash, victims may not be in shape to take action, but it is in your best interest to follow a number of steps to properly report the accident and receive any necessary medical treatment. Following these steps will ensure that you did everything you could to create a smooth outcome after your accident. Steps to Follow After Car Accidents Call 911. You must call 911 as soon as possible. In most cases, by law, you must report the accident to the police, and you should never leave the accident site. When the police and first responders arrive at the accident site, they will assess the situation and tend to any victims or transport them to a local medical facility. An accident report will be taken detailing factors that led to the accident, including the weather conditions, road conditions, car operation issues, and other particulars of the crash. Offer any information you have about the accident but avoid making guesses or adding assumptions. If someone was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, disclose the information. Make sure you tell the investigating police officer if you are injured and do not refuse necessary treatment. Do Not Delay Medical Attention. Injuries must be treated without delay, especially since seemingly minor injuries may become worse within days of the crash. If you fail to receive proper medical attention, serious injuries may turn fatal or you may develop health complications that cannot be overcome in the future. A doctor will document your injuries, so that you have a legal record for your case. Gather Evidence. Take pictures of the accident site and your injuries. Pictures of the vehicles involved and the surrounding areas will add to the credibility of your claim. Obtain information from witnesses and the other driver and passengers, if possible. Avoid posting any pictures on social media, which may be used as evidence that could jeopardize your case. Insurance Company Particulars. In an average car accident, you would immediately contact your insurance company, but with one involving serious injuries or fatalities, caution must be used. Contact a skilled car accident lawyer who will advise you on what to say regarding your case. Under no circumstances should you call the other driver’s insurance company because it could disrupt the ability to recover an adequate settlement. Let your attorney handle this, and if you did not retain a lawyer, now is the time to do so. An experienced car accident lawyer will negotiate a settlement and protect your rights. Blackwood Car Accident Lawyers at the Law Office of Mark S. Nathan Help Victims Obtain Compensation for Car Accident Injuries If you were involved in a car accident, the Blackwood car accident lawyers at the Law Office of Mark S. Nathan will review the details of your accident and create a case that secures the maximum compensation you deserve while you recover. Call us today at 856-232-5559 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in Blackwood, New Jersey, we serve clients throughout South Jersey, including the areas of Clementon, Deptford, Glassboro, Lindenwold, Pine Hill, Pitman, Turnersville, Williamstown, Camden County, and Gloucester County.
