Steps to Take When You Are in an Accident
English: Ambulance in Pontarlier (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Accidents happen and very often cannot be avoided. However, when they do happen, they can leave the victims feeling shaken and unsure of what to do next. Following certain steps after an accident can make everything that follows much easier to deal with.
After the accident
The first thing to remember is to remain calm. Though the shock of an accident can often be overwhelming, it is important to maintain self-control, as it will leave individuals in better shape to help others if they are hurt. Make sure all those involved in the accident are not severely injured. The emergency services should be called if anyone involved needs medical attention, but apart from medical reasons, no one should leave the scene of the accident. People will need to be moved away from the road, and if possible, warnings should be placed out for other motorists to keep them away from the scene of the accident.
Any important information should be exchanged with the other driver. This includes insurance and contact details. These can then be passed on to the insurance company, which should be contacted as soon as possible after the accident. When speaking to the other driver, it is important not to admit to any liability. This is an issue that will be sorted out through the insurance companies. Someone may feel that they are to blame, but it could just as well be that they are not; however, it would be too late for this correction to be made if liability has already been admitted.
Take the details of any witnesses. This will include those travelling as passengers in both cars. They may have vital information that can help resolve the claim so much sooner. It may also be a good idea to call the police. If the police have filed a report on the accident, it will often help with an insurance claim, as the report will contain relevant information. The police can also be helpful in a fraught situation, meaning that everything at the roadside can be resolved more quickly.
It is a good idea to take photographs of the damage done to the vehicles and the area where the accident took place. This information can be useful for the insurance company and for any other claims made at a later date.
Making claims
When making a claim, all relevant information will need to be given to the insurance company. Starting from the point at which the insurance companies are contacted, there will be no requirement for any of the parties to discuss the accident with each other. The insurance companies will deal with it themselves.
There may be many aspects to a claim, so it may be necessary for lawyers to become involved. Those who are making medical claims along with claims for vehicle damage may need to undergo a medical examination to verify the injuries that have been suffered, while medical records will need to be passed to lawyers. Those who are concerned about the medical care which they have received following an accident can consult with medical negligence lawyers, who will determine if there has been any fault on the part of medical staff and if necessary, pursue a claim separate to that for damages from the accident.
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Category: Medical
