Car accidents are sometimes unavoidable due to the circumstances preceding it, and one must know the right steps to take to ensure their safety and that of everyone else involved. Actions made after the accident also play a significant role when following up on the claim from the insurance company and that of the other driver. Accidents are sometimes not between two drivers; single auto calamities are handled differently and pro lawyers with years of experience handling such cases like Charlotte car accident attorney caution against implicating yourself in the moment of confusion.
After the impact, you ought to confirm that all parties involved in the crash are okay before anything else. Some of the other steps to be taken are;
- Contact the emergency line in your locality
After confirming the state of the other people and, in some cases, animals involved in the accident, you should call emergency services to come for further assistance. Skipping the action because all the people involved are okay is not advisable. This is because sometimes, internal injuries may be sustained, and it is hard to determine these kinds of injuries by just looking or asking them if they are okay. The severity of the car accident will determine the departments to contact. Still, only one call to the emergency number in your jurisdiction is enough to bring in all the necessary help.
- Stick around
Once the paramedics arrive and they clear that you are okay, it is essential to stick around to follow up with the police on other issues concerning the accident. A statement may be recorded on-site, and this may save you the trip down to the station if possible. Give all the details as you can remember them but avoid admitting fault as this could lead to an arrest. The insurance company may also discard your claim for repairs or a new car.
- Contact an attorney
Some car accidents are not straightforward, and the events leading to the same may not be clear. If you are uncertain about the next action to take, it is time to call an attorney. You can ask friends, kin, and colleagues for referrals, or you can use an attorney at your disposal until you can get an expert in this field. Calling a lawyer will help you avoid implicating yourself and also know the various laws regarding what just happened. This action is not necessary for minor accidents. If the accident is complicated and involves a lot of people, you should make the call as soon as you can. If you are injured, and the paramedics insist on taking you to the hospital, do not resist. You can contact your lawyer while in transit and brief them on what happened.
The safety of the people in the accident ought to come first. The other issues can be handled later by the insurance firms of the parties involved. If the accident is fatal, then the matter should be left to the police and your attorney.