10 Things To Do After A Car Accident

When you are in a car accident and sustain injuries, you may be too overwhelmed to know what to do. A car accident lawyer in Nashville will likely tell you that these are the ten things you have to do immediately after the accident to make sure to preserve your legal rights. Here they are.

10 Things To Do After A Car Accident
  1. Do not leave the scene of the accident – Even if the accident is minor, keep in mind that it is an offense to drive away, and you could face legal consequences.
  2. Think about your safety – Take some deep breaths to calm down. Look at where you are and, if possible, get to the side of the road. You do not want to be blocking traffic or risk getting hit again.
  3. Call 911 – The police will come and investigate the scene, issue citations or violations, and write an accident report that you can request later.
  4. Follow police instructions – They will tell you where to park your car, what information to exchange with the other parties, and whether you need to file a report yourself. Be polite and cooperative, but do not admit fault or apologize.
  5. Exchange information with the other driver – Get their name, address, phone number, driver’s license number, license plate number, vehicle identification number, insurance company name, policy number, and contact information. If the driver’s name doesn’t match the car’s registration or insurance papers, find out their relationship to the owner.
  6. Never discuss who is at fault with the other parties or their insurance company – Remember that anything you say may be used against you later in a claim or a lawsuit. Only talk about the facts of the accident and let the police and insurance adjusters determine who is liable.
  7. Get witness testimonies – If there are any witnesses, get their names and contact information. They may be able to provide valuable testimony or evidence that can support your claim or defense. Ask them what they saw and heard and if they are willing to make a statement.
  8. Take notes – Immediately after the accident, write down everything you can remember about it, such as the date, time, and location where the accident happened. Also, make note of the weather, road conditions, speed limit, traffic signs, signals, and lights, and note any injuries or damages you or your passengers suffered and any conversations you had with the other parties or witnesses.
  9. Take photos and videos – Document the accident scene, your injuries, and any physical evidence. Use your smartphone or a camera to capture different angles and perspectives of the vehicles, skid marks, debris, broken lights or signals, etc. These can help show how the accident happened and who was responsible.
  10. Contact your insurance company after the accident – Report the accident and provide them with all the information and evidence you collected. Cooperate with them and follow their instructions on filing a claim and repairing your car. A personal injury lawyer can help you deal with the insurance company and get the compensation you deserve.

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