Car accidents are an unfortunate fact of driving on the road, and they can occur anytime. Each year more than 6 million Americans are involved in a car accident. This number is expected to increase because of the increase in phone use while driving. Whether it’s a minor fender bender or a catastrophic collision, you might be too traumatized to think clearly. That is why you need to educate yourself ahead of time. Here is what you should do after a car accident to protect yourself from unnecessary trouble and process your injury claim. 

Things to Do After a Car Accident

When you are in a car accident, you need to be prepared. Preparation helps you stay on top of things and collect relevant information from the at-fault party. Here is what to do after a car accident. 

• Secure Yourself and the Passengers 

A car accident is a sudden event that can traumatize even the most vigilant and strong-minded people. However, the first thing you should do is check for injuries. Press your ribs gently to see if you have internal damage. Moreover, if the accident was caused on a busy highway, you should immediately move away from the road. You shouldn’t leave pet’s adults, or disabled passengers in a hot locked car while talking the at-fault party. This could endanger their life and end up in a lawsuit against you. 

• Call for Help 

Instead of calling your family members, your first plan of action should be to contact emergency services. Check if anyone is hurt. If you find the slightest hint of injury, call an ambulance. After that, you should call the police to investigate the scene. While reaching out to the police, you should share every detail of the accident’s area. This will help the authorities find their way to you. Don’t share details of the accident just yet. Instead, tell the nearest house number or the location where you are stranded. 

• Make Sure It’s Safe Talking to the Other Driver 

At some point after the accident, you or the other person will try to make small talk. Try to avoid verbal conflict and blame games. Don’t apologize just yet, because it can be considered an admission of guilt in some cases. Instead, collect contact information from the other driver and avoid blaming them for the accident. 

• Avoid Making Deals

Tall too much to the other person while waiting for the police can get in your trouble. Accident cases are very sensitive, and even the slightest slippage of the tongue can hold you responsible for the accident. Also, avoid making deals with the other party, even if they insist. Whether the other person has insurance or not, it’s not up to you to decide. Expert lawyers advise against making a deal on the road because it can lead to significant expense over the long run. 

• Collecting the Right Information 

At this point, you have taken all the steps to secure yourself and your loved ones. Now the only that’s left is to collect contact details and other information from the other part. The same can be asked of you, so always keep important information in your car like your registration and proof of insurance. 

As you engage in the information exchange process, only share insurance and contact information. If you share more than you are supposed to, the additional information can be used against you. It’s important to know car accidents are highly sensitive; even the slightest mistake can have huge financial repercussions. 

Ending Note 

Most people don’t know what to do in a car accident. After all, no one is an expert on car accidents except a lawyer. Moreover, it’s had to be in your senses after a car accident. You might be angry or sad about the damages to your car. However, it’s important to control your emotions and act wisely. 

If you throw allegations and engage in a verbal conflict, you will jeopardize your case and turn things against yourself. It’s best to look after yourself and the injured passengers with you. Plus, you should immediately move yourself and your car to a safe place, but don’t go too far from the scene of the accident. 

Finally, be vigilant and collect contact information from witnesses to strengthen your injury claims. Boca Raton residents affected by an accident caused by automobile negligence can contact a professional law firm like Bernstein|Polsky that has expertise in injury claims. They will work hard and use their skill and experience so that you receive fair compensation.