5 Steps To Follow Immediately After A Car Accident
It's highly likely we'll all be involved in some sort of car accident at one point or another in our lives. It could be something minor or it could be a major accident. No matter how big or small or if it's your fault or theirs, there are a few items you should take heed about. So, before you get your New York injury attorney on the line, do these steps first:
1. Check Yourself for Injury – always look to yourself before you go to help any passengers you have with you. You won't be helping the friends and loved ones you're trying to assist if you pass out from blood loss before you can even call the ambulance. Make sure you're ok, then help the next injured person out, starting with the one who is the worst off. If you or another is badly injured, call the paramedics. Remember to wait until you and everyone you care about has been thoroughly examined by a doctor before attempting to contact a motor vehicle accident lawyer.
2. Check Your Vehicle for Smoke and Fire – if your vehicle slammed into something in front of you, chances are you'll notice a fire in the engine right away. Next you should check and see if the gas tank is leaking fuel or is on fire. Once you've learned the status of everyone in the vehicle you should determine if it's safe for them to stay in the vehicle or if they should be evacuated. If you see fire or smoke, immediately get everyone out of the car, but be careful with anyone suffering from broken bones.
3. Repeat the Process for Other Vehicles Involved – after you've confirmed that everyone with you is safe and is getting the care they need, you should check the others involved in the accident and see if they need any help. Wait for permission before handling any injured person in any other vehicles. There are opportunists out there who will sue their rescuer if they get hurt in the evacuation. It'll be their New York accident lawyers you hear from next. After you've received permission or you see they are incapacitated assist them however you can, then let them know help is on the way once they rouse.
4. Trade Insurance Information – swap insurance and contact information with the other driver as soon as both of you are able. This sharing of information will help your respective insurance companies sort everything out on the back-end, resulting in a faster claims process. If the other party wants to talk about the accident and is being solidly apologetic, try and record what they say. This will help your Long Island personal injury attorney to build a case.
5. Get Photographic Evidence – while you're waiting for the police and paramedics to show up, take photographs of the scene if you can. Your vehicle, the other vehicle, anything else that might be relevant. Get pictures of any injuries you and your passengers have suffered, as well. This will be of tremendous help to both your insurance company and your automobile accident attorney.
Following these steps will make it easier for the police, the paramedics, and your insurance company to sort things out as each respective group arrives on the scene. This will be of great help to your car wreck lawyer if you find you need one.
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Tags: Long Island personal injury attorney, motor vehicle accident lawyer, New York accident lawyers, New York injury attorney

