7 Crucial Actions To Take After an Auto Accident
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With the average number of auto accidents being a stark 5 to 6.3 million each year, fearing a collision is no phobia—it’s a realistic concern. No matter the severity of the impact, auto accidents can leave you traumatized and unwilling to get behind the wheel again. If you do become the unfortunate victim of a severe car crash, the aftermath can even be fatal.
Managing the situation after an auto accident can be tricky. In this blog, we’ve outlined seven critical actions to take after finding yourself in the position of the accidentee. With this information, you can ensure that your property and, most importantly, you are protected.
1. Safety First
Drop any other concerns and check yourself. Are you injured? What is the severity of your injuries? How close is the nearest hospital? All three of these questions should pop into your mind as soon as you leave the wreckage. Before anything else, see a doctor. Getting the help you need as early as possible can spell the difference between life and death if you do not address your health correctly. If physically able, turn your hazard light on and move your vehicle out of the way of incoming traffic to prevent further catastrophe.
2. Document Everything
Are you safe? Now you can begin collecting the evidence. Start with taking photos of the vehicular damage of all parties involved and the injuries sustained. Next, exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s) and present witnesses. Finally, with modern times becoming increasingly mobile, you can report damages to your insurance provider on a mobile app and receive expert assistance from your fingertips.
3. Call Your Insurance Company
Your insurance company should be one of the first people to know after being involved in an auto accident. They will need all of the accident details and the information you’ve collected from the scene. Be as honest as possible with your insurance provider to process a solid claim.
4. Hire an Auto Accident Attorney
Car accident lawyer in Virginia Beach, VA have the expertise to navigate the legal system and fight for your deserved compensation. If you are injured, you will need to assess extensive medical bills and damages—that’s where your auto accident attorney comes in.
5. Get a Professional Inspection
Like your physical health, your vehicle may seem fine after the accident. However, there could be underlying damages not visible to the naked eye. That’s why getting a professional inspection before minor issues become major problems is always a smart idea.
6. Keep Records
Continuously maintain and safely store incident records, including medical bills, repair bills, and other accident-related expenses. This will help you keep track of your costs and ensure full compensation.
7. Prioritize Your Health
Don’t forget to check up on yourself during the claims process. Even if you were not injured, the experience’s toll on your mental health could be draining. Put yourself first and get the help you deserve from a mental health professional. For a comprehensive list of experienced therapists in the Virginia Beach area, click here.
Breit Law: Your Trusted Auto Accident Attorney
Auto accident attorneys in Virginia Beach are hard to come by when affordability, responsiveness, and expertise are involved. Our high success rate comes from a blend of professionalism and passion for serving our clients because at Breit Law—serious injuries deserve serious compensation.
The time to act is now. Contact our legal professionals today; we’ll guide you through the claims process every step of the way.