A car crash can be scary event. People may feel confused, disoriented, angry, stressed, fearful, pain or any number of other emotions. Here are three things to do if you are involved in a crash.
1. Remain calm and focused and evaluate the situation. Take a moment to re-center. Then check yourself and any passengers for injuries. Call the police immediately, even if you do not feel injured. Stay in your vehicle until the police arrive unless it is safe to exit. Check on others involved, again, only if it is safe.
2. Gather information. Make sure you get the license, registration, insurance and vehicle details of everyone involved. Police gather this information, too, but you should do it yourself. See if any witnesses are around who can give you their statement and contact information. Cooperate with responding law enforcement as they investigate.
3. Document the event. Take photos or videos of all damage and people involved if this can be done safely. If the crash happened at an intersection or other place where the scene is important, take photos of the area including locations of any debris.
When you get home, download or print a satellite photo of the area for reference.
And here are “don’ts.”
1. Do not refuse aid of first responders. Even if you may not be experiencing anything unusual physically, allow responding EMTs to examine you to make sure nothing is seriously wrong. Adrenaline and other chemicals produced in our bodies in times of stress can mask injuries and symptoms. If responders have concerns, allow them to transport you to a local emergency room.
2. Do not sign documents unless for the police. No one at the scene but police or a tow operator should need your signature.
3. Do not admit fault for causing the crash. Of course, you should be honest about how it occurred, but crashes happen in split-seconds and you will not know what everyone else involved may have done or failed to do. You could be admitting to something that was not your fault which can be difficult to undo later.
Once you make it through the initial aftermath, here are two ways to protect yourself.
First, you should always go to your medical doctor or local clinic after a crash as soon as you can, even if you initially go to the emergency room. Insurance companies tend to value the opinions of medical doctors much higher than chiropractors or naturopaths.
Second, make an appointment to see an experienced attorney. We offer free consultations after car crashes and can help you determine if you need legal help. We can also ensure your rights and interests are protected from predatory insurance companies.
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