Getting into a car accident can be a disorienting experience. No matter how many accidents you’ve been in, each new accident prompts its own unique combination of emotions and circumstances. Though you may never be able to predict when, where, and other elements of a car accident that involves you, you can prepare for one.
Knowing what to do after a car accident can be the difference between getting scammed or compensated for the damage you or your vehicle incur. To better prepare you for the unpredictability of the road, Apogee Capital Partners has created an essential guide on what to do after getting in a car accident.
What To Do Immediately After Someone Hits Your Car
Getting hit by another car is always a startling occurrence. Once your car settles, be sure to follow the steps below, preferably in their respective order if possible.
Check Yourself for Injuries
The first thing you’ll want to do after a car accident is take a breath to center yourself and assess whether you have any noticeable injuries. Some injuries such as cuts and broken bones are much more obvious right away than subtler or delayed injuries such as whiplash or internal damage.
If You Are Seriously Injured…
If the car accident has caused serious injuries, avoid moving until medical professionals arrive. When it comes to serious accidents, witnesses and any uninjured individuals involved in the accident are likely to call for medical help immediately.
If You Are Uninjured or Not Seriously Hurt…
If you’ve incurred less serious injuries or have come out of the accident unscathed, check to ensure your passengers are OK. Should you find that one of your passengers is injured, call emergency services or ask a bystander to do so for you.
Relocate to Safety
Depending on where your accident occurred, it might be best to relocate your vehicle. Unless the accident took place in a parking lot or quiet street, you should pull your car over to avoid creating a driving hazard for passersby. Get your car somewhere where it’s safe to assess the scene entirely.
Turn On Your Hazard Lights
To signal to other drivers to slow down, turn on your hazard lights. If either you or the other driver involved have road flares, set them up around the scene for additional warning.
Contact the Authorities
While some states legally require you to call 911 with a car accident claim, it’s always a good idea to get the authorities to document the incident. When the police arrive, they’ll complete a detailed report of the car accident.
Be sure to ask for a copy of this report and get the contact information of any officer who arrives on the scene and complete the report. Insurers will use the police report when processing your personal injury claim, should you file one.
Swap Information With the At-Fault Party
Once you’ve confirmed that the at-fault party is uninjured, swap information with them. We’ve listed a few important pieces of information that you should gather from the other party involved.
- Full name and contact information of the driver and passengers
- The driver’s insurance company and policy number, if available
- The vehicle’s brand, color, and model
- The driver’s license and license plate number
- Location of the incident
You can write the details on a piece of paper, though taking photos and notes with your phone may be easier to track and reference in the future.
Speak With Those Who Witnessed the Accident
Witnesses are a great resource to solidify the details of what happened. Secure the names and contact information of those who saw the accident happen.
Document the Accident Thoroughly
Additional steps after a car accident include taking photos to document the accident. To document the situation thoroughly, you should take photos of both cars and their damage from varying angles. You may also wish to photograph your injuries, if possible.
Notify Your Insurance
In our essential car accident guide, we recommend contacting your insurance. If you have the time, notify your insurance while on the scene of the accident so you can provide details with the utmost accuracy. Your insurance company will provide you with further guidance on how to file a personal injury claim.
What To Avoid Doing After Someone Hits Your Car
Car accidents and the immediate steps that follow them can be overwhelming. Be sure to avoid the following actions after someone hits your car.
Admitting Fault
Perhaps you think the accident is your fault. Regardless, don’t admit fault—fault is for the police and insurance companies to determine. A couple of reasons you shouldn’t admit fault is it could interfere with your claim-filing process, and there may be other factors at play that absolve you of any fault.
Leaving the Scene of the Accident
To guarantee that you’re compensated for the damages, never leave the scene of an accident until you’ve completed all of the proper steps following an accident. Leaving the scene may get you in legal trouble, or you might end up leaving without all the details necessary to file a claim.
Arguing With the Other Driver
Arguing with the other driver will only escalate the situation. After confirming that they’re uninjured, calmy request to exchange information with them. Keeping your composure will help you stay focused on gathering all the pertinent information.
Discussing Litigation Processes With Anyone but Your Attorney
You should always avoid talking about the litigation process for the accident with anyone other than your attorney. The defendant and their legal team can utilize any information that you share about the accident, whether that’s with others online or in person, against you and your claim.
How Apogee Capital Partners, LLC, Can Help
While waiting on attorneys or insurance companies to determine a just settlement, you’ll procure living expenses, legal fees, and bills for any medical treatment or automotive repair that the accident caused. Expenses can add up quickly, leaving you overwhelmed and feeling like you’re drowning in debt.
To alleviate the financial stress of an accident that wasn’t your fault, contact Apogee Capital Partners. We offer pre- and post-settlement funding for plaintiffs so they can stay afloat while waiting for their settlement money. We offer our plaintiff lawsuit funding in as little as 24 hours after receiving a plaintiff’s application. Contact us today to learn more about the reasons to choose a financial funding service for your litigation procedures.
