After being involved in car accident, thinking about how you will move forward seconds after the crash can be nerve-racking. You will not know how much your car repairs will cost in the moments following the incident, what kind of compensation you might be able to receive or the full extent of your injuries.
However, there are steps you can take right after the accident to help set you up to file for damages. Proper follow-up at the scene can help you collect the information you need to supply to medical, legal and insurance professionals.
Here are four actions you should take at the scene of a car crash:
- Don’t flee the scene
One of the first things you should keep in mind if you are involved in a car accident, is to not leave the scene. Pull over somewhere safe instead. Because even if you aren’t at-fault, fleeing the scene might make it look like you have something to hide and is against the law in Missouri.
- See who needs help
When there is something you can do to help someone with injuries or someone trapped in their car, it’s important to do so. You may or may not be able to provide help. But noting injuries will help you tell first responders who needs their help when you call them or when they arrive to the scene.
- Call the police
It’ll be essential to call for emergency aid when you or someone else on the scene is facing injuries. Plus, calling the police is a requirement in the state of Missouri if the accident caused injuries, death or property damage worth more than $500.
- Gather evidence of the event
Once police arrive to the scene, they’ll probably speak with everyone involved in the accident and any available witnesses. But you can also take your own notes and photos, so you’ll be able to speak about the accident in detail during the claims process further down the line. This can include exchanging contact and insurance information with the other driver and taking photos of the scene.
After leaving the scene, seeking medical help is always important. This is because you could have some injuries that might require a specific treatment plan to completely heal. From there, you can speak to an experienced personal injury attorney to look at your compensation options.
