{"id":244,"date":"2022-05-18T23:56:38","date_gmt":"2022-05-18T23:56:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ridemission.com\/?p=244"},"modified":"2022-05-18T23:57:43","modified_gmt":"2022-05-18T23:57:43","slug":"steps-to-take-after-a-car-accident","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ridemission.com\/steps-to-take-after-a-car-accident\/","title":{"rendered":"Steps to Take After a Car Accident"},"content":{"rendered":"

Steps to Take After a Car Accident<\/h1>\n

After you\u2019ve been involved in an accident, it may be unclear what you need to do next. Accidents affect your ability to think clearly, and it\u2019s all too common for accident victims to be shaken up at the scene. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that more than 6 million<\/a> car accidents happen in the United States each year.<\/p>\n

It’s important to seek medical assistance immediately after an accident to protect your health. Personal injury law professionals also feel it\u2019s important to contact a Tallahassee car accident attorney<\/a> to protect yourself after you\u2019re involved in an accident.<\/p>\n

If you get into a car accident, there are steps that you can take to help everyone practice safety, follow the law, and work towards favorable outcomes in your insurance claim process.<\/p>\n

<\/a>Check for Injuries<\/h2>\n

If you’re experiencing any pain or discomfort or feel that you\u2019ve been injured, call 911 or ask someone else to help you do so. If you’re seriously injured, stay still, and wait for emergency personnel.<\/p>\n

If your injuries don\u2019t prevent you from moving, check on the well-being of the other passengers in your car. If anyone’s experiencing pain or is injured, speak with emergency services or pinpoint someone standing by to call for help.<\/p>\n

<\/a>Find A Safe Location<\/h2>\n

If your injuries allow you to move, move to the shoulder of the road or a sidewalk. If your car is safe to drive and is creating a traffic hazard where it is, pull it to the side of the road. If time allows, snap a few pictures or videos of the accident scene. If your car is not causing a hazard in traffic, leave it where it is and continue in a safe location.<\/p>\n

<\/a>Report the Accident to Law Enforcement<\/h2>\n

Certain states, like Florida<\/a>, for example, require you to call the police after an accident resulting in an injury. Not doing so could lead to criminal charges and fines. When you contact law enforcement, the responding officers can make an accident report and document the scene.<\/p>\n

If the police are unavailable, you can go to the nearest police station and complete a report yourself. Insurance companies will ask for a copy of the police report to help with the claims process. Your car accident attorney can also use this accident report to defend your claim.<\/p>\n

<\/a>Exchange Pertinent Information<\/h2>\n

Each state requires certain information to be exchanged. In Florida, those involved in an accident are asked to fill out an exchange of information <\/a>form when the police arrive at the accident scene with another driver after an accident. Generally, you need to exchange names and insurance information.<\/p>\n

The other driver\u2019s phone number, make, and model of the vehicles involved, contact information for any witnesses, and the name, badge number, and phone number of any law enforcement officers who respond to the accident scene will prove useful.<\/p>\n

<\/a>File an Insurance Claim<\/h2>\n

Many states require bodily injury and property damage liability insurance coverage. Liability coverages reimburse other drivers or passengers when you are at fault in an accident.<\/p>\n

Your collision coverage can cover damage to your car. Personal injury protection coverage could help cover the cost of any injuries that you sustain.<\/p>\n

Consider the following before deciding on whether or not to file an insurance claim:<\/p>\n