The last thing you expect whenever you get behind the wheel of your car is to experience a car accident. Unfortunately, they happen all the time. No matter how careful you are, there’s a high possibility you’ll experience a car accident at least once in your lifetime. The good thing with being cautious is that you reduce the chances of being at fault in the event of the accident.
However, what do you do if you’ve been involved in one? It’s worth noting that the moments that follow immediately after a car accident can either hurt or improve the type of compensation you get. The following are some things you can do to protect yourself and your interests immediately after the crash;
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Call the police
Regardless of the type of accident you’ve been involved in, the first thing you should do is call the police. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a fender bender or a severe crash. When they get to the scene, they will get a police report that can be entirely instrumental when dealing with insurance companies. When you remain at the scene and explain everything that happened to the police, you bolster your case. If you were not at fault, then you will get the compensation you deserve. Calling the police should be the first thing you do when in a car accident. If the other party is violent, you can remain in your car until the authorities get to the scene.
Call a car accident attorney
Have you been involved in a car accident? Protecting your rights should be a priority before people take advantage of the situation. A car accident attorney in Salem, Oregon, should protect your rights and ensure all the necessary evidence is not tampered with. As such, consulting your attorney should be one of the first actions you take. Remember, insurance companies will take statements as quickly as possible after the accident. To give any information, you will need legal advice to avoid making a mess of your claim. Your attorney will help you handle all the requirements until you get the compensation you deserve.
Gather relevant information
It’s worth noting to make any claim you will need some essential details. While it’s important, you check if you’ve sustained any injuries, you should consider gathering information if you are in good condition to walk around. If so, you’ll need to ask the other driver’s name and address, insurance company name, statements from whiteness, if any, and contact information. Finally, don’t forget to capture pictures of the accident scene before anything gets moved. All the evidence you obtain can only bolster your claim, especially if you are not at fault. It will prevent the other party from jinxing the evidence, and you can get what you deserve.
Wait for help
If you call the police and attorney, then collect the relevant information, and no one has arrived at the scene, don’t move. Stay put and wait for help. Leaving means, you are a suspect, and the other driver can use that to their advantage. As long as you are within the scene, you’ll get medical assistance if you need one quickly, and you can explain everything in detail.
If you’ve been involved in an accident, even if you are a seasoned driver, chances are you’ll be left frazzled and won’t know what actions to take. Following the above steps should protect your interests and ensure you get the right settlement.
