With the fear and concern following an auto accident in New York, people often forget the basics. However, there are vital steps that need to be taken in the immediate aftermath while still at the scene of the crash.
Remember what should be done right after the collision
It is wise to follow a checklist. If people are injured, calling for emergency help by dialing 911 is a priority. When vehicles can still be driven, they should be moved to the side of the road and out of the path of traffic.
Once it is established whether there were injuries and the call was made for help, the drivers should exchange their personal information. That includes their driver’s licenses, insurance and the license plates. Since just about everyone has a cellphone with a camera, it is useful to take pictures of the damage.
When law enforcement arrives at the scene, there will be an accident report. This is crucial, especially when trying to collect on insurance and thinking about filing a legal claim for injuries and financial losses.
There is an immediate reaction after car accidents to try and help people who might have been hurt. Moving them is a mistake as it could make their injuries worse. Other missteps are taking the blame, saying too much, trying to negotiate a settlement on the spot or agreeing not to call the police for an accident report.
Adhere to these tips after an auto accident
It is easy to forget the fundamentals after a crash, but doing so can be problematic when deciding on options to try and recover financially and personally for all that was lost. Sticking to these points can be a protective strategy before seeking professional advice on how to move forward.