Details steps to follow after an accident
We live in a country where driving is a way of life. Because of this, it is almost certain that at some time in our lives, we will experience an automobile accident. When you are in a car accident, even if you are not injured, there are certain things that you need to do...
*Make Certain That The Injured are Cared For
Do not move an injured person.Make sure somebody calls the police to report the accident. The person who contacts the police should be able to tell the police both the address of the accident and the number of injured persons, so that enough emergency personnel respond to the scene. If you are on the roadway, turn your hazard lights on, or use flares to warn approaching traffic of the accident.
*Stay At The Scene
If you are involved in an accident involving injury, or substantial damage to property, stay at the accident scene until the police tell you that you can leave. If you have any question about whether the damage caused by the accident is substantial, err on the side of caution -- when the law requires you to wait for the police, leaving the scene of an accident can result in criminal charges.
In any accident, you should obtain the following information about:
The other driver: Name, address, driver's license number, insurance information, and license plate number.
Witnesses: Name, address, and telephone number.
Police officers: Ask the police officer's who investigate the traffic scene to provide you with a business card, with the "incident number," so that you can obtain an accident report. Most officers will provide this information to you, even if you don't ask.
The location: You may wish to take notes about where the accident occurred, the road conditions, speed limits, traffic control devices, the weather, and the lighting.
The accident: You may wish to take notes about how the accident occurred, such as the direction of travel of the vehicles involved in the accident, and what the cars were doing at the time of the collision.
Be aware that if litigation results from the accident, you may be forced to share your notes with somebody that you are suing, or somebody who is suing you.
*Get Medical Care (See a Doctor)Many people find that the "adrenaline rush" from the accident has masked their symptoms an examination by a Doctor may reveal injuries that you do not yet feel.
*Tell Your Doctor Your Complete Symptoms
Tell the doctor if you have any loss of memory, headache, blood or fluid in your ear, dizziness, tinnitis (ringing in the ears), disorientation, nausea, confusion, or any other unusual physical or mental feeling. People may suffer head injuries and not realize it. it is best to be safe, by reporting your symptoms so that the doctor can rule out the possibility of a concussion
*Obtain a Copy Of The Police Report
Make certain that you find out where the officer taking the report works. Often there are different groups of police in a given area. (Sheriff’s Office, Police Department, Municipal Police) After a short period of time (2-3 days generally) You should request a copy of the accident report. If the report contains information that is incorrect, contact the officer to let them know.Contact a personal injury attorney to discuss further options.
