If you’re involved in a car accident, there are steps you’ll need to take afterward in order to make sure you’ll be able to obtain compensation to pay for the damages.
Read on to learn the first few steps you should take.
Steps to Take
Getting into a car accident is never something anyone hopes will happen, but unfortunately, most of us get into a few fender benders in our lifetimes. It’s important to know what to do before the unexpected occurs so that you’re prepared if it does happen.
Protect the scene of the accident - If you’re not blocking the roadway, leave your vehicle where it is until the police arrive and take a report. Turn on your hazard lights so that other drivers know to be cautious.
Call the authorities - Even if you don’t feel injured or there’s not a lot of property damage, you should still always call the police to come and take a report after a car accident. Sometimes, the pain of your injuries doesn’t present itself until hours, days, or even weeks after the accident. Your body goes into shock when you endure trauma, and in response, your adrenaline levels increase. When your adrenaline levels are heightened, you may not feel pain. Additionally, a police report will be very valuable to your insurance claim later on, so be sure the authorities take an accurate report.
Take photos of the scene - In order to help prove that you didn’t cause the accident, you’ll need to provide a detailed record of what happened. Take as many photos as you can of anything and everything that’s relevant. Take images of the damage to your vehicle, the other driver’s vehicle, any visible injuries you have, visible injuries the other driver sustained, the road conditions, and the weather.
Let Us Help
If you’ve been involved in an injury-sustaining accident, our Hudson Valley personal injury attorneys at The Ahearne Law Firm, PLLC are here to help. Our team has helped countless others pursue justice, and we can help you, too. Don’t hesitate to contact our office with your case right away.
Call the New York lawyers at The Ahearne Law Firm, PLLC today at (845) 763-4100 to speak with an accomplished attorney about your case.
