The Ohio State Highway Patrol reports that so far in 2018, there have been 532 car accidents involving fatalities. There are also many car accidents each year in Ohio that leave drivers and passengers seriously injured and overwhelmed by anxiety, shock, and other emotions that make it difficult to determine how to react appropriately. By learning how to respond in these situations, you can make sure that you react correctly despite the numerous emotions that you might also be experiencing. This post will review seven of the essential things that you should remember to do after a car accident.
1. Make Sure Everyone is Safe
If you are involved in a car accident, you should immediately make sure that everyone in your vehicle, as well as anyone else who might have been involved in the crash, is safe. Even if you do not believe that anyone has been injured, it is often still a wise idea to contact emergency workers who can assess accident victims because not all injuries are immediately noticeable.
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2. Protect the Scene of the Accident
Provided that it is safe to do so, move your vehicle to an area where it is unlikely to be hit by other cars. If this is impossible to do, you should turn on the vehicle’s hazard lights to notify nearby drivers about the potential for accidents. It is critical that nobody involved in the accident ends up stepping in the way of passing traffic as this could make a bad situation much worse.
3. Contact Law Enforcement
Even if no one was seriously injured in the accident, it is still a wise idea to contact law enforcement so they can create a report about how the accident occurred. These documents will show how the accident occurred, which can prove invaluable if the case ends up handled by an insurance company or in a court of law.
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4. Document the Accident
It is a wise idea to make notes about how the accident occurred. Many people carry cell phones equipped with cameras today, which can be used to document the scene of the accident and your physical injuries. In addition to photographing the accident scene, you should also record any contact information from witnesses who might have seen the accident happen.
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5. Keep an Organized File
Keep a file with all of the information, documentation, photos, etc. regarding your accident and resulting injuries. These should include a copy of the police report, the insurance claim number, contact information for witnesses, and contact information for anyone else who was involved in the accident.
6. Speak with an Experienced Car Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one is involved in a car accident, you should not hesitate to speak with an experienced car wreck attorney who will remain committed to protecting your rights. At Kruger & Hodges, we have helped many individuals who have been impacted by car accidents and understand what it takes to make sure that your case resolves in the best possible manner. Contact our law office today for assistance.
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