What Should You Do After a Car Crash?

Getting in a car crash is often hectic, scary, and overwhelming. But, if you or a loved one ends up injured at no fault of your own, the aftermath of the crash is crucial to your ability to seek compensation. Continue reading below as we discuss the certain steps you should take to ensure your safety and well-being.

Call 911

The first thing you should do after a car crash is call 911. This will ensure that first responders are on the scene should anyone involved need medical attention. In many states, this is required by law. Plus, this means you will have a police report filed for the incident, which can be a valuable piece of evidence to your Seattle car accident lawyer if you proceed with a personal injury claim.

Stay calm and speak clearly to the operator to ensure you get the help you need. When the police arrive, tell them what happened by sticking to the facts. Don’t try to assess blame, and only provide them with the necessary information.

Assess Your Injuries & Move to Safety

Before you do anything else, make sure you check yourself and other passengers for any signs of injury. If you’ve already called for emergency services, help should be on the way. Even if your injuries appear minor, seek medical attention as soon as possible.

If your injuries and vehicle damage allow, move to a safe location to avoid blocking traffic and turn your hazard lights on to alert other drivers and avoid additional collisions. Make sure to stay on the scene in case the police have further questions once they arrive.

Exchange Information

Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver involved. Even if vehicle damage or injuries appear minor, this is still an important step in case your injuries develop over time or the vehicle damage isn’t immediately apparent. Get their name and phone number, their insurance carrier, and policy number, and provide the same to them.

Capture Photos and Other Evidence

While on the scene, take your own photos of the crash site to keep as evidence. This involves anything that could be used to prove fault and support your case if you end up filing a personal injury claim.

Some things you might want to capture include any tire or skid marks, vehicle damage, visible injuries, the other driver’s license plate, or debris left on the road. In no circumstances should you move or alter objects on the scene before taking photos, as this could compromise the validity of your claim.

If there were witnesses present at the scene, make sure to get their contact information so you can reach out to them in the future should you need their testimony to support your claim.

Seek Medical Attention

Car crashes can result in many different types of injuries that range in severity–from minor cuts and bruises to more serious injuries like spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, and even death.

When medical personnel arrive on the scene, have them assess your injuries, even if you appear to be fine initially. If they recommend additional care, follow their suggestions and make sure all treatments are well-documented so there’s an official recording of the extent of your injuries.

Consult with a Personal Injury Attorney

As your injuries allow, you may decide to consult with a Seattle personal injury attorney to help you understand your legal rights and assist you in filing a personal injury claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company.

The earlier you’re able to meet with an attorney, the easier it will be to preserve valuable evidence and work toward securing the compensation you deserve. If you’re in Washington, contact Brumley Law today for your free consultation and let our experienced team advocate for you.