If you are in a car accident, you may feel shaken and confused or even go into a state of shock. This can make it difficult to think straight and take action to ensure your safety, especially if you have been injured in an accident. Our personal injury attorneys at Carr | Woodall share what you should do if you are involved in a car accident.
Immediately After the Accident
One of the most crucial timeframes when involved in a car accident is the moments immediately after.
Reporting the Accident
Reporting the accident is the first step you should take. To do this, you should call your local authorities or dial 911 and share with the operator that you have been in a car accident and your location. They will then ask if you need an ambulance before sending authorities and an emergency medical team to your location.
Exchange Information and Document the Accident
While you wait for the police and other emergency services to arrive, you should exchange contact information with the other vehicles involved if you can exit your vehicle safely. If you cannot do so, remain in your vehicle until the police arrive and can guide you out.
When exchanging information, you should make sure to include:
- your name,
- contact information, such as your phone number or email address, and
- insurance information.
If any witnesses remained at the scene of the accident, be sure to get their names and contact information. It is also important to take photos of the damage to both vehicles and any injuries you or your passengers have sustained.
After exchanging information, you should make sure to find a safe place to keep these phone numbers, insurance policies, and more. The police officers who responded to your accident will create an accident report which can be helpful in filing an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you think your injuries are minor or that you are uninjured, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately after the accident. The insurance company could use a delay in seeking treatment to argue that your injuries are unrelated to the car accident or were not as severe as described.
Some injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries (TBI), may not present symptoms until days or weeks after the accident. If you or a loved one begins to display signs of a TBI, seek medical attention immediately for a diagnosis and treatment. This treatment can help you support your case.
Next, Call Carr | Woodall
After reporting the accident and seeking medical attention for any injuries you may have, your next steps should include meeting an experienced personal injury attorney. Our personal injury attorneys at Carr | Woodall understand how difficult it can be after an accident and are dedicated to providing the best representation possible for you. We can help you review the circumstances of your accident and help you seek damages for your time and injuries.
If you are unable to make it to our South Jordan office in person, we can come to you and meet with you at your home or in the hospital to review your case. Time may be of the essence, and our attorneys are prepared to do what is necessary to help you protect your health and recovery while we focus on fighting for your fair outcome.
Were you or a loved one injured in a car accident? Schedule a consultation with one of our personal injury attorneys today to learn more about how we can fight for the compensation you deserve. Call us at (801) 988-9400 to get started.