What to Do in a Car Crash

Every time we get behind the wheel, we expect to arrive at our destination unharmed and uninterrupted, except perhaps by inconvenient traffic. But for an average of 36,000 people across the U.S. on any given day, that doesn’t happen. Instead, they find themselves navigating the chaotic aftermath of a car crash.

Knowing what to do in a car crash is essential for all drivers. It’s much better to be prepared ahead of time than to try and figure it out when you’re stressed, under pressure, and potentially injured on the side of the road. In this blog post, we’ll take a detailed look at the steps you should take after an accident, and how Capital Injury can help as your car accident attorneys in Tacoma.

What to Do in a Car Crash Step-By-Step

What you do after a car crash can make all the difference for your safety and well-being. Taking the appropriate steps is also invaluable if you find yourself in an insurance claim battle or lawsuit later on. Here is a step-by-step look at what to do in a car crash. Keep in mind that the order and priority of these steps might vary depending on the situation.

Get to Safety and Check for Injuries

First thing first: try to move to safety. If you’re able to, drive your car to the side of the road, or to a nearby parking lot or pull-out if available. Consider your surroundings–if you’re just past a steep hill or sharp turn, there’s a risk that drivers won’t see you in time to react, and it’s even more essential to get out of the road. Leave your car behind if you need to. Make sure other passengers and drivers get to safety, too.

Evaluate yourself from head to toe, looking for any injuries. You might not feel any pain, but that doesn’t mean you haven’t been injured. The adrenaline you feel in a stressful moment can mask pain and discomfort. If you seem to have a serious spinal injury, it’s best to stay still until a medical professional has taken a look, unless you need to move for your immediate safety.

If you can, check on everyone else involved in the crash. Call an ambulance immediately for any potentially serious injuries.

Call 911

Even if no one seems harmed, you should still call the police. They will create an official report of the accident, which is important for insurance claims or lawsuits later on. Law enforcement will also redirect traffic as needed and help ensure everyone’s safety. Do not leave the scene, even for a minor fender-bender, until law enforcement has arrived.

Document the Scene and Exchange Info

If you’re able to, document the scene and exchange info with those involved. Take pictures of the cars, any injuries, and anything else relevant to the incident–such as road damage that may have caused the crash or a faulty vehicle component. Write down details that might be easy to forget later, like street names and how the cars collided. 

You should also exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver but do not discuss fault. Do not admit blame or accuse them of anything. If the driver is not the owner of the car, ask for the owner’s info as well, and for that of other passengers or eyewitnesses. 

Call Your Insurance

Usually, the at-fault driver’s insurance should cover damages from the accident. You still need to contact your insurance as soon as possible even if you weren’t at fault, however. This protects you from potential liability and kickstarts the claims process. Your insurance provider will contact the other driver’s insurance if necessary–you do not need to. Make sure you keep a record of all your communications with insurance providers. 

Get Medical Attention

You should see a doctor after a car accident even if you don’t think you’re injured. After the police have done their job, you’ve gotten the info you need from the other driver, and your car has been towed if needed, head to a general practitioner or an urgent care facility.

There are a few things to keep in mind when going to the doctor after a car crash:

• Conversations with your doctor can be used later in a personal injury claim or lawsuit.
• A medical provider should not give you legal advice.
• You should share with your doctor if and how your injuries are affecting your work or personal life.

However tempting, don’t skip a visit to the doctor, even after a minor car accident. Medical records are vital for a successful insurance claim or lawsuit. If you end up having more bills and damages from the accident than you initially thought, you’ll be glad you set yourself up for successful compensation.

Consult a Lawyer

Finally, consider consulting a Tacoma car accident attorney. If the accident left you with medical bills, property damage, and other burdens, and you weren’t at fault, you’re entitled to compensation. Claiming that compensation often isn’t easy, however. Insurance companies will look for every opportunity to deny or minimize your claim. The other driver might deny fault and instead try to pin the accident on you. And if you can’t reach a fair settlement through negotiations with the insurance company, you could find yourself in a lawsuit.

Your lawyer can help with every complication and detail of the claims process. We handle negotiations with insurance, gather the necessary evidence and records for your claim, help you with paperwork and deadlines, and represent you in court if needed.

Even if the accident was minor and the insurance claims seem straightforward, it doesn’t hurt to consult a car crash lawyer. We can evaluate your case and help you determine the best course of action.

Talk to a Car Accident Lawyer in Tacoma WA Today

At Capital Injury Law, we’ve been helping the Tacoma community get the compensation they deserve after car accidents and other personal injuries for over two decades. We believe no case is too big or too small, and we’ll help with every aspect of your claim so that you can focus on recovery.

Contact us today for a free consultation with a Tacoma car accident lawyer. Let us make this difficult situation easier and make sure you get justice.