ADVICE ON WHAT TO DO AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT
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ADVICE ON WHAT TO DO AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT

On September 8, 2022 by

As much as accidents are almost always unforeseen and unplanned, car accidents are inevitable. Regardless of whether you have been in a major or minor accident or whether or not you caused the collision, the knowledge of what to do in such a situation is of key importance. More often than not, you might be too shaken after being in a car accident to allow clear thinking; thus, advisable to have this vital piece of information beforehand. Consulting your compensation lawyers Perth after an accident will ensure that your rights and any valuable evidence are protected.  Here, we will go over a few important steps you should take following a car accident because, like any other thing in life, preparation is of fundamental essence. Let’s go, shall we?

Stop and protect the accident scene

You should stop even if the accident is minor. After that, you should notify other road users of danger ahead by setting up flares, keeping flashers on or using the hazard signs if they can be visible. Preferably, pull your car to a well-lit area close by, a public area to a well-lit. Remember that your first priority is safety, and every other thing can be put to rest.

  • Determine whether there are casualties

Following a car accident, injuries may or may not occur. Establishing whether you are injured, or anyone else might have been injured in the process is an important step in helping establish safety. If you are not sure about the injury, exercise extra care while exiting the car, but if the accident is severe or there are serious casualties, it is best that you leave the vehicles where they are.

  • Collect the important information

Most vehicles nowadays come with a camera. But it’s no big deal if yours does not, as long as you have a cell phone equipped with a camera. A camera will come in handy because you need to document any signs of visible damage and injuries. Take as much detail as you can: the date and time of the accident, the video or photograph of the entire car and the damages caused—record information like name, address, phone number and driver’s license number. The relationship status of the casualties involved can also be important. Important information includes an accurate record of what transpired. Information from other persons involved in the accident must be accurate and true. Make sure to gather data regarding the vehicle’s model, license plate, colour, and vehicle identification number. Engage witnesses who witnessed the accident and are willing to give an account of what happened.

Essentially, the information collected will allow the investigating police to conduct their investigation successfully and accurately, which will eventually allow a positive response.

  • Report the accident to the relevant institutions

Now that you have accurately recorded everything and solicited information from eyewitnesses concerning the accident, you can reach out to the police officer, who will investigate the incident further. You do not need to file a claim if you are at fault at the scene. Yet, even an accident that looks minor can cost you a great deal—notifying your insurance company as soon as you can be vital following an accident. That is because most insurance firms expect you to report an incidence as soon as it occurs for them to take responsibility. Establish whether your insurance provides medical coverage in case there will be a need for that. You could file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company if the accident was not your fault. If it is another driver’s fault, his insurance company is liable to pay for damages to your car and your medical injuries. If you are the faulty driver, then your insurance will take care of the damages mentioned, including physical injury to the body.

  • Avoid roadside conversation on matters of responsibility.

The other driver you have to deal with may understand more often than not. But you do not know who you are meeting that day. Conversations about who is responsible may turn out ugly, and a police investigation may be necessary. In such cases, you better wait for the police to arrive before settling on who is responsible for what.

  • Reach out to your personal injury compensation lawyer

Protecting your rights is one of the important things you need to remember in the event of a car accident. However, for this to be realized, you must ensure that your files containing the accident-related information are kept together in an orderly and coherent manner. Before reporting to your insurance, seek legal advice from your personal injury lawyer, who will advise you on issues ranging from compensation to medical treatment options. You should be able to receive help from your lawyer to settle for the best option. Suppose it is the fee you are concerned about. In that case, it will help you to know that personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fees basis, meaning there is no legal fee needed unless they recover compensation for your injuries.

  • Consult a doctor

Amidst all the events, from documenting to calling the authorities, seeking medical attention may be the last thing in your mind, especially if there are no visible injuries. However, you may be putting yourself and other people at risk if you do not access medical help to ascertain that everything is, in fact, in order regarding your health. Car accidents can result in visible and invisible injuries. Visible injuries like scratches and broken bones may be quite obvious, but others like blunt injuries, including a blow to the head, may go unnoticed until later. Passing out even for a short while after an accident may indicate a concussion or closed head injury, leading to cognitive defects if left untreated. Consequently, visiting a hospital or a health facility after a car accident will help shelve some of these worries. Remember that your auto insurance usually covers injuries from car crashes; thus necessary to have a record of any physical harm acquired from the car accident.

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