Car accidents are annoying, and it’s often confusing to know what to do after a car accident. Whether it’s a minor bump or a serious collision, you may be too shaken up to clearly think about what to do next. And right after the accident, when you’re dealing with severe injuries or property damages, you’ll have to make various crucial decisions. If you are involved in a road accident, there are several things you can do to safeguard yourself and get ready for a car accident claim.
Things you must do if you’ve been involved in a car accident
Here are a few things you must do after a car accident.
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Do not leave the accident spot
Even if it’s a minor bump, do not leave the accident scene before collecting information from others involved in a car accident. Do not leave the scene before taking permission from the law enforcement officer as leaving without permission might put you at risk of a hit and run charge.
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Check for injuries
If you think that you might be at risk of injuries, you must shift to a safe spot and check yourself and other persons for injuries. Immediately call the ambulance if you notice any injury. Refrain from moving the injured person unless they are in extreme danger.
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Inform the police
Make sure to report the accident to the police, even if it is a minor accident. If you wish to make a car accident claim for the injuries or damages, you may require a police report. The vehicles involved in the accident must not be moved from the spot unless they are blocking the traffic.
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Maintain accurate records
When the police officer arrives at the accident spot, inform everything to the investigating officer. Don’t make false statements or misinterpret any facts. If you’re unsure of whether you’ve sustained injuries in a car accident, reply that you are not sure instead of saying no. Often the injuries from a car accident appear a few hours after the accident. You must also ensure that the statements provided by other individuals are accurate.
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Take photos of the accident spot and vehicles
Don’t forget to take pictures of the accident spot and vehicles involved in the accident. If there are visible damages, you must capture them as well. If you fail to take photographs of the accident scene immediately after the accident, take them immediately after the accident without further delay.
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Get details
You must collect details from all the individuals involved in the accident, including drivers, passengers, and eyewitnesses, so that your personal injury solicitor can contact them in the future.
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Get immediate medical treatment
The injuries caused by road traffic accidents do not appear immediately after the accident. Unless you’re sure that you haven’t sustained any injury, you must get immediate medical treatment by visiting your family doctor or a local emergency room. You can sustain injuries even in a minor crash, so make sure to visit the doctor even if it is a minor injury.
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Maintain records
Keep an appropriate record of all the accident-related documents and other information. Such information may include your claim number, details of the adjuster handling your claim, information of contacts, receipts of the rental car, and any other expenses incurred by you in relation to the accident.
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Safeguard your rights
One of the most significant things you can do is to talk to your personal injury claim solicitor. Your attorney can safeguard your rights and evidence related to your case. It’s crucial to take legal advice before the insurance companies reach out to you to take your statements. Your solicitor can provide you with the best advice on how to get compensated for your losses. Personal injury solicitors work on a no-win-no-fee basis. They won’t charge you anything unless they help you win compensation for your damages.
If you’re looking to make a claim for losses and damages suffered in a road traffic accident, you must immediately speak to a personal injury claim solicitor in the UK. Call Nessie can help you get compensated for the losses you have suffered in an RTA. They have the best claim solicitors who can help you with your claim.