6 What To Do If You Get Into A Car Accident: A College Student’s Guide

Although car accidents are one of the leading causes of injury in the United States, no one ever expects to be involved in one. It is possible that if an accident happens, you will have no idea what to do or where to begin. On the other hand, the steps you take immediately after an accident and in the days that follow may have a significant influence not only on receiving adequate medical treatment but also on the amount of compensation you get for your accident claim.

Check for Injuries and Move to a Secure Location

Right away, check to see whether there are any injuries. In such a scenario, call 911 for a quick response from emergency personnel. Some jurisdictions require drivers to report accidents, regardless of how minor they are or if the other driver is cooperative. Furthermore, you will have the official documentation that your insurance company requires.

Move the vehicles to the side of the road or away from traffic, and turn on their hazard lights if they can still be driven. Pull completely off the road to avoid collision with oncoming traffic. To inform passing cars, flares, and reflective emergency triangles should be deployed. If an explosion seems imminent, drive to a safe spot away from traffic.

Gather Vital Information

Get the names, addresses, phone numbers, and driver’s license numbers of everyone involved in the accident by photographing the documents with your phone’s camera or writing them down with a pen and paper. Determine the driver’s relationship to the vehicle’s owner if the driver’s name does not match the name on the car’s registration or insurance paperwork.

The next step is to create a list of the vehicle’s specifications, which should include the year, model, color, number plate number, and vehicle identification number, as well as taking photos of the scene.

We suggest obtaining the insurance policy number as well as the firm’s phone number if the other party fails to report the accident. Check to see if any witnesses are willing to share their contact information and details about what they saw with you. 

Never give away any of your personal information, including your Social Security number, insurance policy coverage restrictions, or any other sensitive data.

Be Careful What You Say

Never, ever admit to being at fault for an accident. Even if you feel you have committed a crime, the law will not always agree with you. When you apologize or admit fault, you jeopardize your capacity to claim compensation for damages. You should never provide recorded statements to insurance claims agents if your attorney is not present. 

Keep an Accurate Record

When the police arrive. you must give the investigating officer(s) as detailed an account of what happened as possible.” Inform the authorities that you are unfamiliar with certain terms or seek the assistance of a car accident lawyer says a New Orleans based attorney. 

 Make no assumptions, hypotheses, or incorrect comments regarding any of the facts. If you are unclear whether or not you have been hurt and are questioned, rather than saying “no,” say that you are unsure rather than “no.” Accidents involving motor vehicles may result in pain and injuries that are not apparent for several hours after the occurrence. You must also ensure that the comments made by the other individuals involved in the accident are accurate.

Inform Your Insurance Company about the Accident

If you were in an accident with another car, you must notify your auto insurance company as quickly as possible. Describe the extent of your injuries to them, and be very honest with them about what happened. Cooperate with them to ensure that the facts are as clear as possible. Keep in mind that if your insurance company learns that you lied to them about the accident, you might be in big trouble, so don’t do it. 

Contact a Car Accident Lawyer

When an accident occurs, the insurance companies of the drivers involved evaluate who is financially liable for the damages. The matter is deemed concluded when both parties are happy with the result. However, in rare cases, one of the parties may opt to have the dispute decided by the legal system. If there is a chance that your dispute may be brought to court, it is in your best interest to hire a car accident attorney.

When it comes to car accidents, you want to be sure you have the best attorney on your side. The counsel you choose may have a substantial influence on the outcome of your case.