5 Steps To Follow Immediately After A Car Accident

It’s highly likely we’ll all be involved in some sort of car accident at one point or another in our lives. It could be anything from a minor scratch to a major wreck. No matter how big or small or if it’s your fault or theirs, there are a few items you should take heed about. Before getting that New York injury attorney you’re friends with on the line, you should take care of these steps first:

1.    Check Yourself and Passengers for Injury – remember to always check yourself out before looking to others. You’re no good to the friends and family with you if you’re trying to patch up their minor injuries while you’re bleeding to death. First make sure you’re fine, then you can help your loved ones. Call an ambulance if you or anyone else in the car is badly injured. Save the call to the motor vehicle accident lawyer until after you and your passengers have been checked out by a medical doctor.

2.  Check for Fire – this should be easy to do if you slammed into something in front of you, as it’s likely the engine would be on fire if anything is. This might not be so obvious if you were rear-ended and flames are licking at the gas tank under the car. Once you’ve learned the status of everyone in the vehicle you should determine if it’s safe for them to stay in the vehicle or if they should be evacuated. If fire or smoke is detected, evacuate the vehicle immediately, taking extra care with anyone with broken bones.

3.  Follow Steps 1 and 2 for Other Parties – after everyone with you has gotten to safety you should check out the other vehicles involved in the accident. Only assist removing them from the vehicle if they are able to give you permission and do so. There are opportunists out there who will sue their rescuer if they get hurt in the evacuation. Then you’ll be the one getting a summons from one of their New York accident lawyers. Assist them out of any danger after they’ve given permission or you discover they’re incapacitated.  Then let them know that an ambulance is on the way.

4.  Exchange Insurance Information – as soon as you can, exchange insurance information and phone numbers with the driver of the other vehicle.  This can only serve to speed up the claims process with both your insurance and the other driver’s, allowing both of you to receive your claims that much sooner. Take down what the other driver says to you, especially if he’s taking the blame and is being apologetic to you. This will help your Long Island personal injury attorney to build a case.

5.    Photograph the Scene – after you’ve done the first four steps and you’re waiting for help to arrive, you should snap some photos and take some video of the scene with your cell phone or digital camera. If you or your loved ones have suffered any injuries, try to get pictures of those as well. This will be of tremendous help to both your insurance company and your automobile accident attorney.

By following these steps you will help to insure you and your passengers’ well-being, as well as making it easier for the first responders and the insurance companies involved. If you find you need a car wreck lawyer, your prior conduct at the scene as well as the evidence you gathered will only help your case.

The law offices of Charles R. Gueli staff the best New York accident lawyers available today. Visit their webpage today and get a Long Island personal injury attorney to help with your case!

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