The thought of being involved in a car accident is enough to scare most people. If you actually find yourself in this situation, it’s a challenge to keep your cool and make decisions that will keep you safe.
Fortunately, with a bit of planning, you won’t have to worry about doing something that will put you in a worse position.
Here are some basic things you can do to protect yourself after a car accident:
— Move your car to a safe place. If possible, you should move your car from traffic and to the shoulder of the road. Don’t exit your vehicle until you are copmletely sure that it’s safe to do so.
— Assess the situation. Simply put, you need to check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If you need immediate medical help, now’s the time to call for an ambulance.
— Gather information. For example, you’ll want to exchange insurance details with the other driver(s). Also, don’t hesitate to take photos of the accident scene and collect contact information for any witnesses.
— Don’t sign anything. You should never sign anything, such as a statement from your insurance company, until you know your legal rights.
There is no way of knowing if you will be involved in a car accident in the future. Fortunately, if you find yourself in this spot, there are steps you can take to prevent additional trouble.
At some point, you’ll want to learn more about your legal rights, as you may be able to take steps that help you receive compensation for your injuries.
Source: Property Casualty 360, “7 Steps to Protect Yourself After a Car Accident,” accessed May 11, 2017
