Whether you’re a pedestrian, a motorist, or even an Uber driver, it’s important to know what you can do in the event of a serious car accident. No matter who is at fault, you could face serious consequences if you are found to be wholly or partially responsible. This can be especially true if you’re involved in a car accident while driving.
These accidents can become complicated by factors outside of your control, such as who is in the other car or if you collide with public transport. Figuring out who is liable in public transportation accidents is more complex than most accidents.
This article provides an overview of what you need to know if you are involved in a car accident and how to proceed in the minutes, hours, and days following.
What to do at the scene of the accident
If you’re in an accident, there are a few things you need to do before anything else. The first is to make sure everyone involved is safe, and if anyone is hurt, call emergency services. Secondly, call the police. You don’t want to admit guilt or anything prematurely, but it’s crucial that they are aware of the situation and will be able to help when they arrive. The police are essential if the collision has blocked the road.
Once the police have arrived, you must cooperate with them as much as possible during their investigation. When they ask for your driver’s license and registration, these are not optional questions – provide them with this information right away. You should also contact your insurance company after the accident has occurred; this will allow you to file a claim.
What to do in the first few hours
The first few hours after a car accident is crucial. Victims of accidents should not be afraid to contact the police. In addition to contacting the police, a towing company can safely remove your car to a safe place and ensure free traffic flow. This step is particularly important if the accident happened on a busy street and has disrupted vehicle movement. As long as your vehicle is not in good condition, there will be no point getting behind the wheel. Besides, in those first few hours, everything you do must be aimed at following the right processes and dealing with any anxiety you may be feeling.
Law enforcement can help you report the accident and take against the other driver for any bodily injuries, property damage, or pain and suffering. Most victims should also consider contacting their insurance company, as they will need to file a claim for any damages caused by the crash.
The victim should also document any injuries with photos and reach out to doctors if necessary. Suppose there is insurance coverage available through an employer. Then the victim should contact their human resources department to start getting care while they wait for insurance benefits to kick in.
What to do in the first few days
If you are involved in a car accident, the first few days are crucial. It’s important to stay calm and take care of any injuries you may have sustained.
It’s imperative to think about what happened right after the accident occurred. Get a clear picture in your mind of precisely what happened from your perspective. For example, were there things you did that contributed to the accident? Or was the other person solely at fault? Try to write these things down, as memory is elusive and can change after traumatic experiences.
What to do if you’re driving an Uber or Lyft
It’s essential to be honest about your level of experience if you were driving an Uber or Lyft, as this could change how much liability can be placed on you for injuries incurred by passengers. If a passenger is injured because of a lack of training behind the wheel, this could be grounds for a lawsuit against Uber if it can be proven that the driver was negligent and unfit for duty.
