Play It Safe: Steps To Take After a Raleigh Car Accident
Not everyone knows what to do after a car accident, so our attorneys in Raleigh offer some easy steps to remember that will help you play it safe. Car crashes are scary, and when your mind is racing and your adrenaline is pumping, you probably aren’t thinking about whom to call or what to do now.
It’s easy to get overwhelmed so we’re providing a ‘cheat sheet’ with the steps to stay safe and smart after a car wreck:
1. Move to a safe area. If possible, get your car off the road. By keeping your vehicle in a high-traffic area you’re putting yourself and others further at risk.
2. Stop your vehicle and get out. Once you’ve moved to a safe area, put your car in park, turn it off, and exit the vehicle into a safe area.
3. Check on other parties involved. Once you know everyone in your vehicle is okay, check on those in the other vehicles involved. If anyone looks to be in a life-threatening condition, call an ambulance immediately.
4. Alert the police. Even in small accidents, a police report is extremely valuable when dealing with an insurance company or other drivers. Be honest with the police, but avoid admitting fault or blaming others at the scene.
5. Collect information. While you are waiting for the police to arrive, gather as much information as possible. This includes:
- All driver and passenger names
- License plate information
- Insurance information
- Make and models of all the vehicles involved
- Contact information for any eyewitnesses
- Location of the accident
- Name and badge number of any police officers on the scene
6. Document, document, document! Snap as many pictures as you can of the scene, including damages to the vehicles, skid marks, and license plates.
7. File a claim with your insurance company. It is best to play it safe and report any accident, even if it is only property damage. This will help the insurance company get the claims process started and let you gather any extra documentation before it’s too late.
8. Consider calling a lawyer. If you or anyone else in your vehicle were injured, it might be in your best interest to find a lawyer to represent you in a claim against the driver responsible for your injuries. Miller Law Group, PLLC, has a skilled team of attorneys with years of experience representing personal injury claims. We’re familiar with North Carolina laws and know what it takes to get good results after a car accident in Raleigh. Don’t let a car accident keep you from living the life you love.
At Miller Law Group, we believe practicing law is a profession first and a business second. We offer the personal attention and dedication needed to get you through all the steps after a car accident and back to your life. Not only are our attorneys passionate about representing accident victims, we’re also experienced.
If you’re considering hiring a personal injury attorney, please contact Miller Law Group for a free case review.
