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How to protect your family just after a car crash

Car accidents can be scary and overwhelming, especially if you and your family are involved. While no one ever wants to be in an accident, it’s best to know what steps to take if it ever does happen. Whether or not it is severe, you want to ensure your loved ones are fine.

In most cases, it’s essential to call the police or 911, even though there are no casualties. If you believe some factor, possibly a reckless driver, caused the accident and your injuries, you may need to file a personal injury lawsuit against them so they can pay for your treatment and losses, if any. Otherwise, you may need to file a report to seek compensation from your car insurance company.

But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Below are nine steps to take if you and your family are ever involved in a car accident.

1.     Check for Injuries

After a car accident, the first thing you need to do is check yourself and your loved ones for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately. Even if no one is hurt, it’s still a good idea to call the police to report the accident. This will help ensure that an accident report is filed, which can be helpful when dealing with insurance companies later on.

2.     Move to a Safe Location

If the accident is minor and your car is still drivable, move to a safe location off the road. This could be a nearby parking lot or a side street. If you can’t drive your car, turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers. If you’re on a busy road, it’s a good idea to stay in your car until the police arrive.

Remember, the safety of everyone in the car is paramount. If it’s possible to seek help from other road users, signal for help.

3.     Exchange Information

After ensuring everyone’s safety, exchange information with the other driver(s) involved in the accident. Get their name, phone number, license plate number, insurance information, and the make and model of their car. If there are any witnesses, get their contact information as well. This information will be useful when filing a claim with your insurance company.

Here’s something you should be very mindful of. When exchanging information and interacting with the other driver involved, ignore the urge to take the blame for the accident. If you take the blame, they may have valid grounds to file a case against you.

And if you intend to file a personal injury case against them for their reckless driving, the fact that you accepted blame initially can hurt your case.

4.     Document the Accident

Take photos of the damage to both cars and the surrounding area. This can help your insurance company determine who was at fault. If there were witnesses, ask them to write down what they saw. Additionally, make notes of what happened leading up to the accident, the location of the accident, and any other important details you can remember.

5.     Call Your Insurance Company

Call your insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident. They’ll ask you for details about the accident and will likely send an adjuster to assess the damage to your car. The sooner you report the accident, the sooner you can start the claims process and get your vehicle repaired.

6.     Get Medical Attention

Even if you don’t feel hurt, getting checked out by a doctor is a good idea. Some injuries, such as whiplash, may not show symptoms right away. Document any injuries you may have sustained in the accident. This will not only help you receive proper medical treatment but will also be useful when filing a claim with your insurance company.

7.     Follow Up with Your Insurance Company

Follow up with your insurance company to ensure they have all the information they need. They may also ask for a copy of the police report. If you’re having trouble with the claims process, don’t hesitate to seek legal help, knowing how insurance companies may want to cheat you out of your maximum compensation. 

8.     Consider Hiring a Lawyer

If you sustained injuries in the accident or the other driver is disputing fault, it’s best to seek the expertise of car accident lawyers. They can help you navigate the legal process and ensure you get the compensation you deserve. A lawyer can also help you deal with insurance adjusters and ensure you’re not exploited.

9.     Take Care of Yourself and Your Family

Car accidents can be traumatic, and it’s important to take the time to process what happened. Seek help if you or any member of your family is struggling with anxiety or PTSD.

Final thoughts

It’s natural to panic just after a car crash. However, it’s best to try to stay calm and get yourself in control, especially when your family needs your assistance to get out of the situation.

Take a few deep breaths and try to clear your mind. This will help you think more clearly and make better decisions. Remember, staying calm will not only help you deal with the situation better, but it will also help you avoid making any rash decisions that could potentially make the situation worse.

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