6 Essential Things You Should Do After a Car Accident
Road accidents can be lethal and cause severe injuries and, in some cases, death too. You’ll be surprised to know that a total of 94 people died in road accidents in Austin in 2020. It was the highest in the last five years. That’s shocking because there were fewer people on the road as compared to any other year.
Hiring an Austin auto accident lawyer would be the logical step after your accident.
You can also read: Top Skills You’ll Need in Your Austin Auto Accident Attorney
But before that, you need to make sure you and your co-passengers are alright. To help you deal with such incidents, here are six tips on what you need to do if you are met with a accident.
1. Do Not Leave the Scene of the Accident.
Whether it is a lethal accident or a minor one, never leave the accident site. Stop and verify what happened. Provide necessary help and assistance if anyone needs it. Whether you caused the accident or not, always stop at the scene of the accident.
2. Check for Injuries
When you are met with an accident, your body gets numb to accommodate the shock and impact of the accident. You may not even feel that you are injured, even if you have a severe fracture. In such cases, it’s always good to check yourself for injuries over your body. Do not move quickly as you may have luxation or internal injuries that can worsen if you move. If you feel any pain anywhere in your body, lay down and call for help.
If you don’t have any injuries, help other people who suffered from the accident and get medical help if needed. Do not try to fix the injuries if you are not a medical professional.
3. Secure the Scene to Avoid More Accidents
After an accident, the debris and parts from your car might get scattered on the road, which might cause more accidents. Try to secure the accident site with flares, traffic cones, or keeping your flashers on. If it is dark and the car lights won’t work, use an emergency flashlight or smartphone flash to keep you safe. Find refuge in your broken-down car or by the side of the road.
4. Call for Police Help
It’s always a good idea to call for police help, even if there are no severe injuries. They can help you take the further necessary steps after the accident. They will also help you file a police report essential to filing the insurance claim from your car insurance company. It’s also best to leave the cars involved in the accident unless they are blocking the traffic. It will help the police to file an accurate police report.
5. Secure Necessary Evidence
If you have a dashcam or smartphone with you, remember to take photographs that can be used as evidence. If you are not injured, try to take pictures as soon as possible after the accident. Never interfere with the police investigation while you do that. Also, secure any other physical evidence that might be necessary for your case. These pieces of evidence will help you during your insurance claims and accident lawsuits.
6. Hire an Accident Attorney
Hiring an attorney would be a rational thing to do after an accident. An Austin auto accident lawyer will help you understand your rights under the Texas accident laws. As the insurance companies want to take your statement immediately after the incident, you may want a legal expert to guide you while providing any statement.
Your attorney will ensure you get the maximum compensation for your damaged vehicle and the best medical care after the accident. They will also help you during the insurance claim process and the lawsuit if you’re found at fault in the accident.
Accidents can be overwhelming and can leave you in shock and awe. It’s important to stay calm and take the necessary steps to avoid further damage to yourself and the people involved in the accident.
Next, you can read the following posts as well:
When Do You Require a Car Accident Lawyer in Oakland?
5 Reasons to Hire Top- Rated Car Accident Lawyers in Orlando
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