It is helpful to take photos and videos of the accident and make notes about it. Documentation will help you remember critical details that could disappear over time.
Avoid discussing the accident with other drivers at the scene. It includes offering your opinion on what caused the crash or placing blame.
Call the Police
Even if the accident seems minor, you should always call the police to ensure everyone’s well-being is checked and a formal incident report is filed. Some injuries, such as whiplash and internal trauma, may not become apparent for hours or even days following the crash.
If an officer does come to the scene, it’s important to note his name, badge number, and contact information. Also, get the terms of all drivers involved in the crash and the insurance information for each vehicle. Also, take photos and videos of the accident scene and anything else that might help establish what happened (e.g., skid marks, damaged guardrails, etc.).
If you suspect the other driver is providing inaccurate information, you can call their insurer while still at the scene to verify coverage, but only if it’s safe. Otherwise, it would be best if you waited until you were away from the scene and had a chance to talk to your insurer.
Contact an Attorney
To ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for damages caused by another driver, it’s imperative to provide your insurance company with as much information as possible. This includes comprehensive details of the accident, such as the location, time of day, weather, and road conditions. Additionally, it’s vital to capture any injuries you may have had due to the accident and any ongoing symptoms you might be having. Speaking with an Oroville car accident attorney is highly recommended to obtain a fair settlement.
If you can safely do so, take pictures of the vehicles involved in the accident. Include each car’s make and model and the license plate numbers. It would be best if you also tried to capture any skid marks and property damage that is present at the scene of the accident.
It is also essential to talk to witnesses if possible. Getting their name and contact information is crucial to your case. It is also good to ask them if they saw the accident or heard anything to help establish what happened.
Get Medical Attention
Taking care of yourself and others is essential in a car accident. Move your vehicle off the road or at least to a safe spot away from oncoming traffic and set up warning triangles or flares. It means staying calm, calling 911 if necessary, and ensuring all injured people receive medical attention.
Even if your injuries seem minor, seeing a doctor to check them out is crucial. Many symptoms don’t appear until days or weeks after a car accident, and failing to see a doctor could lead to irreversible damage.
It’s also good to make notes about your injury and write down details about the accident, including time, weather conditions, and what happened. If there were witnesses, get their names and contact information. Keep all your medical records and bills for an insurance claim later if needed.
Contact Your Insurance Company
You should contact your insurance company right away after the accident. It is a good idea to keep a camera or smartphone with you to take photos of the vehicles and damage and write down any details you remember about what happened.
Getting the other driver’s name and insurance information is also essential. You may need to have this information recorded later for court purposes or an insurance claim.
It is a good idea to talk with witnesses who saw the crash and obtain their names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses. Witnesses can provide valuable testimony in a court case and help insurance companies determine who is to blame. Moving the cars out of traffic as soon as possible is also a good idea, especially if they block the road. It will keep both you and the other drivers safe.