If you’ve ever been in a car accident, or any accident for that matter, you know the panic. Your heart is racing, you can’t think straight, and you probably have adrenaline coursing through your whole body. While you’re in this shocking state, it’s often hard to concentrate on what you should do. Luckily, we’ve put together a step-by-step chart for when the unfortunate happens. Bookmark this post (or even print it out and keep it in your glove box) for when you may need it!
1. MOVE
Make sure that you and your loved ones are out of the danger zone. Nobody should be on the road or in a vehicle that may cause them to be injured. Unfortunately, there are many instances of people who are in an auto accident, and are then struck by another vehicle on the road while waiting for help.
2. CALL
Always call 911 and request medical attention to make sure any injuries are taken care of first thing. You will also need police presence to document the crash and give any citations if designated.
3. TAKE
Safely take pictures or a video of the entire accident scene. These will be handy later on and will serve as proof of the accident, catching details you may have forgotten or left out.
4. SECURE
Make sure to safely get all of the contact information of anyone who was also involved in the accident, including any witnesses. We recommend obtaining the following:
-Full name
-Phone number
-Auto insurance carrier and policy number
-Driver’s license number or photo of the license
-Make and model of vehicle
-Vehicle tag number
-Name and phone number of all witnesses
5. DON’T
It is important not to speak to insurance companies or third parties (except for telling the police what happened) about details of your accident. Insurance companies (even your own) will use what you say against you. Remember, these are for-profit companies and if they can prevent having to pay you money, they will. Leave it to us to speak with them; this is what we do!
6. CALL
Now that everyone is safe and the accident scene has been assessed, give DR Law Center a call. We will be able to help you with the next steps and make sure everything is taken care of so you don’t have to be more stressed than you already are. You can reach us at our office number (813) 644-6545 However, accidents don’t happen 9-5. Call the attorney, David Rummell, at his cell phone number (813) 951-1164 any time day or night and he will help you!