Things can be quite hectic in the aftermath of a motor vehicle accident. You will be bombarded with concerns about your injuries, the well being of your passengers, the other driver(s), the condition of your car and who’s at fault.
Thus, knowing ahead of time what to do after a motor vehicle accident will help you keep your head and do what is necessary to protect your right to be compensated for your injuries and losses later.
Here is a list of things to keep in mind:
- Remain calm. Becoming hysterical will only make an already stressful situation worse for everyone involved.
- Call 911 immediately. If there are injuries, let the operator know you need an ambulance; if not, ask them to send the police or the fire department.
- Get attention for your injuries. Due to the shock and adrenaline rush following the accident, you may not be aware of how seriously you’ve been injured. Therefore, it is wise to get yourself checked out by emergency personnel, even if you feel fine. Not doing so may jeopardize your ability to be compensated for any medical expenses later.
- Do not leave the scene of the accident, until the police have given you permission to do so, or until it is appropriate.
- Only move your car if it is necessary to avoid further injury or accidents. This measure will allow the police to use the skid marks and position of the car to reconstruct the accident for the police report.
- Do not discuss the motor vehicle accident with anyone else except the police, the fire department, and other emergency personnel.
- When speaking with the police, tell the truth about what happened without admitting to any fault. Make sure a police report is made. If a report is not made, file one yourself as soon as possible.
- Exchange information with the other drivers involved. Make sure to get their full names, addresses, phone numbers, license plate numbers, and their insurance details, including their policy numbers and the insurer’s contact numbers.
- If you are able, collect as much evidence of the accident as possible. Use a camera or your smartphone to take photos of the vehicles and the scene of the accident. In addition, get the names and addresses of any witnesses.
- Call your insurance company, as well as the other driver’s insurer, and notify them that you have been involved in an accident. They will then initiate an investigation to establish liability for the collision.
- Call an attorney right away to help you preserve your right to compensation for any damage to your motor vehicle, injury to your person, and loss of income that resulted from the accident.
Knowing ahead of time what to do after a motor vehicle accident can help you make clear decisions in the heat of the moment, and it allow you to take the steps necessary to build your personal injury claim against the party responsible. For more information, contact an Oklahoma personal injury attorney today.
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If you’d like to speak with a Okmulgee, Oklahoma personal injury attorney, simply call 918-756-9600 for ainitial, confidential consultation. You can also submit the question form at the top right of this page.
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