What to Do After a Car Accident
Car accidents happen in the blink of an eye, and can leave victims with lifelong injuries. When an accident is caused by the negligence of another driver, the car accident attorneys of Foley Law Firm can help injury victims obtain the compensation they deserve.
Although the moments immediately after a car accident may feel disorienting, it’s important to take certain steps to preserve evidence and protect your interests. With this in mind, let’s take a look at what to do after a car accident in Scranton, PA, Stroudsburg, PA, and Wilkes-Barre, PA.
Get to Safety
The first thing drivers should do immediately after being involved in an accident is to move their vehicle out of traffic and to a safe location but remain at the scene.
If the vehicle is too damaged to move, drivers should turn on their hazard lights and turn off their vehicle. If the vehicle can’t be moved, the driver and any passengers should exit the vehicle and move to safety if possible.
Check for Injuries
All drivers and passengers should check themselves and each other for injuries. If anyone is hurt and needs medical assistance, someone should call 911 for emergency care.
Report the Accident to the Police
All accidents should be reported to the police even if there are no serious injuries. Police reports are often needed for insurance purposes.
Exchange Information
When filing an insurance claim after an accident, each party will need the other driver’s information. Drivers should exchange information including:
- First and last names
- Insurance information
- Contact information
It’s also worth noting that when exchanging information it’s important not to admit fault. This includes not apologizing for an accident as this can be used as an admittance of fault. Instead let the insurance companies handling the accident claims make the determination as to who is at fault.
Take Pictures and Gather Information
If at all possible, take pictures of the scene of the accident along with pictures of damage to any vehicles involved in the accident, license plates, traffic signs, or any other important details that can help answer questions insurance companies may have about the accident.
In addition to pictures, write down important information like the date and time of the accident, weather conditions, road conditions, and the type of vehicles involved.
It’s also a good idea to get the names and contact information of any witnesses to the accident as well as the names and badge numbers of any police officers who may be at the scene.
Speak with an Attorney
Finally, accident victims who have suffered injuries may benefit from speaking with an attorney as soon as possible after their accident. A car accident attorney can help accident victims through the claims process or help them optimize their compensation for their losses through a personal injury lawsuit.
Contact the Foley Law Firm
If you have been injured in a car accident that you believe was caused by a negligent driver, call the Foley Law Firm at (570) 424-1757 to schedule a consultation and discuss the details of your claim.
