If you were traveling on a highway and suddenly your car gets hit by another vehicle or you have been in an accident while saving wildlife nearby, then you should be prepared for such emergencies.
Getting hit by another vehicle comes under personal injury law and you should know how to get your rights protected in this scenario. Here are five critical things that you should know in such situations.
- Ensure Everyone’s Safety
The first thing to do after your car has been in an accident is to pull over on the side of the road. Ensure that everyone in your vehicle is safe. If there is any medical emergency, make sure that you call 911 immediately.
You should park your car in a safe place. Get out of your car and make sure that other parties involved are also safe. If the accident was not your fault then make sure that the other parties involved do not leave the accident site.
- Inspect Your Car And Accident Site
You should check for the damage done to your car. Inspect your car in detail and make sure that you take pictures and record video of the damage done to your car. You will need this record in the compensation claim case and insurance claim.
You should check the accident site and see the damage done to other parties as well. However, make sure that you do not blame anyone or involved in verbal or physical abuse as this might affect your case.
- Call For Emergency Responders
No matter if you have medical emergencies in the car or not, you should call the emergency response unit immediately. You should make sure that other parties involved also stay at the accident site till the police arrive.
You should report the accident to the police and make sure to get a copy of the report for yourself as well. If an accident has resulted in serious damage to your vehicle or caused severe injuries to you or other passengers in your car, make sure to hire a personal injury lawyer.
- Document The Scene
You should make sure to document the site of the accident completely. This documentation is crucial if you plan to pursue a personal injury case and claim compensation for the loss you have faced as a result of someone’s negligence.
You should also document the scene if you want to claim insurance as all insurance companies require proof of damage.
- Prepare For Alternate Transport
Lastly, you should be familiar with the emergency response units on the highway route you were taking. If the accident has resulted in severe damage to your vehicle, you might not be able to travel on it again.
You should call 24 hour towing services and ask them to tow your car to a nearby auto mechanic shop. If the mechanic asks you to leave the car for repair, you might want to arrange alternate transport for yourself. Either call any relative, friend, or family member living nearby or take public transport.
