No one likes to think about what would happen if they were involved in an accident, however, it is important to have an understanding of the right steps to take so that you are prepared. Unfortunately, car accidents happen on a daily basis, and while most of them are not serious, some can have horrifying consequences. It is really important to know the appropriate course of action should a car crash occur, which is why we have put this guide together.
Check for injuries – The first thing you need to do is check for any injuries. If you feel fine after a crash, it is still a good idea to get checked out. Whiplash is one of the most common injuries people sustain after a car accident, and it doesn’t often present itself straight away.
Common symptoms of whiplash include:
- Pain in the arms and shoulders
- Muscle spasms
- Headaches
- Difficulty moving your head
- Neck stiffness
- Neck pain and tenderness
- Irritability
- Poor concentration
- Memory loss
- Tiredness
- Dizziness
- Pins and needles in your hands and arms
If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, you should see a doctor. Not only can whiplash take several hours to develop after an incident, but also the symptoms are often a lot worse the next day, which is why it is better to be safe than sorry.
Get legal representation – Don’t do anything without a good lawyer, especially if you were driving under the influence. An experienced DUI lawyer may be needed to ensure any punishment is minimized as much as possible.
Check on the well-being of your passengers – If you were traveling with other people, make sure they are ok. If anyone is injured, call an ambulance, or ask a bystander to help.
Get to safety – If your cars are in a hazardous place, move it if it is safe to drive. Otherwise, at least make sure you are in a safe place.
Get the contact details of any witnesses – It is a good idea to get the contact details of anyone that witnessed the accident. This is especially important if you are planning to make a personal injury claim. Witness statements can be used to build a strong case. You should also take photographs of the scene too, as this is another effective way to gather evidence.
Call the police – It is also important to call the police. In fact, depending on where you are, this may be a legal requirement. The responding officers will attend the scene. They will fill out an accident report, which is vital if criminal proceedings are launched.
Exchange information – Not only is it important to get the contact details of anyone that witnessed the accident, but you will need to get the contact details of the person that was not driving safely and caused the incident (if this was the case, of course). You should get their name, address, insurance company and policy number, the model and make of their car, and their license plate number.