What To Do After a Vehicle Accident
Vehicle accidents are unexpected and stressful and few people know what to do in the aftermath of a collision. This knowledge is important as it can help prevent further injuries, minimize costs and facilitate further actions relevant to insurance matters and repairs.
You should be aware that if you do not follow the proper procedures you may end up having problems with the law, difficulties in having your insurance claims paid and have consequences and fines to pay. If you are in a vehicle accident, Hopkins Barvie Hopkins is committed to helping restore your peace of mind as soon as possible.
The first important thing if you are involved in car accident is to try to stay calm and concentrated.
Be prepared
- A disposable camera.
- Pen and paper to write down any information.
- A card with any relevant medical information for you and your family.
- Carry a set of cones, warning triangles, emergency flares and bright orange or yellow vest in your trunk to help alert traffic.
- Having first aid supplies and an emergency kit in your car is a good precautionary measure.
Immediately after an accident
- Check for injuries; call an ambulance when in doubt.
- If accident is minor, move cars to a safe place, out of traffic.
- Turn on your vehicle’s hazard lights and use cones, warning triangles or flares for safety.
- Call the police, even if the accident is minor.
- Collect the names, phone numbers and addresses of all drivers, passengers and witnesses involved in the accident.
- Collect the names of the insurance companies of all drivers involved.
- Collect the year, model, make and other relevant information of all vehicles involved.
Other important tips
- Do not sign any document unless it’s for the police or your insurance agent.
- Make immediate notes about the accident, including specific damages to all vehicles involved, witness information, etc.
- State only the facts, and limit your discussion of the accident to the police and your insurance agent.
- Collect the names and badge numbers of police officers and other emergency personnel.
- Stay at the scene of the accident until the police tell you to leave.
- Photograph the scene of the accident for documentation about the damage to all vehicles
Even if you think that you are at fault do not admit liability. It is possible that there are unknown factors to you that played a role. This could make the situation different than what you initially perceive. Comments that you may make could be counterproductive or even used against you later.
If you have or suspect that you have an injury, visit a hospital or a doctor immediately. This will allow you to get proper medical care and may have legal implications later. If you cannot prove that you suffered an injury at the accident with a medical report from a doctor that examined you immediately after the accident, you may face difficulties for your claims as well as in litigious cases with the other drivers.
Knowing in advance how to proceed when involved in any type of vehicle accident, helps you stay calm, take the appropriate measures and make the best of a difficult, dangerous or even tragic situation.
If you suffered a vehicle injury and need to hire an experienced auto accident attorney who can help make sure you receive the benefits you need call Hopkins, Barvié & Hopkins, P.L.L.C. With more than 65 years of combined legal experience, ourattorneys offer clients throughout Mississippi the representation they need.
Contact us online or call 228-864-2200 to schedule your free initial consultation with an experienced lawyer.
