It’s difficult to escape a car accident, regardless of fault. If the fault lies with you, it will only compound your troubles. Misfortune can bring adverse luck to even careful people. You may not be a rule-breaker, drunk driver, or green light crosser, but you can cause an accident.
You may have been unaware of a vehicle fault that caused the accident. In such cases, you can claim coverage from your car’s repair service provider or company. After an accident, you may be nervous and may be confused as to how to proceed with the accident case.
In such a difficult situation, consulting an experienced Philadelphia car accident attorney right after the accident may be beneficial for your case. To avoid further complications, you must know the essential steps to follow immediately after facing an accident.
Steps to Take After an Auto Accident
- The first thing you have to do is get out of the vehicle. You or the people in your car’s back seat may also suffer injuries or trauma. Check for their safety, or the situation can get out of your hands later. Your car may have injured or damaged someone else, putting you in legal danger.
- If someone sustains severe injuries or faces imminent death, promptly dial 911.
- The next priority is your vehicle. Check for any damage to your car. The same goes for the victim’s car. Determine whether the individual or their property, primarily a vehicle, sustains any damage. Even if the accident is minor, it is still possible to claim more coverage than the actual damage. Dishonest individuals frequently attempt to file charges even when their property sustains no damage.
- Then call the police and report the accident. If you leave the scene after the accident, the charges will be dangerous. Wait until the police have arrived; explain your perspective of the accident, and do not hide anything. It will only make the situation worse.
- Collect significant evidence from the scene. You can take pictures of the accident scene or record it. Take photos of the vehicle’s damage and any injuries sustained. These will serve as evidence in the future, ensuring that no one exploits the negative aspects of the situation to defraud you financially or damage your reputation.
- You can also ask people around the scene to be an eyewitness. It can help you hugely. When requested by the police or court, keep and present your ID, license, car papers, etc.
- Contact your insurance company to obtain coverage. They won’t protect you unless you report the crime immediately. By all means, pay the police-issued ticket bill. If you don’t, it will be challenging for you to resolve the case effectively.
Need legal help? Contact an attorney
If you find yourself facing criminal charges, contact a lawyer. By contacting a personal injury law firm, you can focus on your recovery while they handle the legal complexities, giving you peace of mind and the best chance for a favorable outcome.
