Important Steps to Take Following Your Accident
Being involved in a car accident can be a traumatic experience. You may be feeling disoriented and uncertain of what to do next. Knowing what to do following a car accident can help you avoid further harm and ensure that everyone is safe and secure.
The aftermath of a car crash can be confusing and scary. Fortunately, you do not have to go through it alone. If you have been involved in an accident in Manhattan, Kansas, or other parts of the state, do not hesitate to contact our attorneys at Oleen Law Firm. Our attorneys will fight on your behalf to help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
Steps to Take After an Accident
No one ever wants to find themselves in a serious automobile collision. However, accidents occur when you least expect them, so knowing what steps to take is very important to keep everyone safe and protect your legal rights.
Step 1: Get Yourself to Safety
The first thing you should do following a car accident is to get yourself and your passengers out of harm’s way. If your vehicle is still running, move it off the road away from oncoming traffic. If you are unable to move the vehicle, turn on the hazard lights and wait for help. Make sure you are in an area that is well-lit or visible so that other drivers can see you clearly.
Step 2: Check for Injuries
Once everyone has made it out of the vehicle safely, check yourself and any passengers for injuries. Even if there doesn’t seem to be any visible damage or pain, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible because some injuries may not manifest until later on.
Step 3: Call 911
When an accident involves vehicles, it’s always best practice to call 911 immediately. This will alert emergency personnel so that they can provide assistance in case anyone needs medical treatment. Additionally, law enforcement officers can document the scene of the accident, which could be beneficial later when filing an insurance claim or lawsuit against the at-fault driver. Under Kansas law, motorists must report automobile accidents that result in at least $1,000 in property damage or lead to injury or death.
Step 4: Exchange Information with Others at the Scene
While you are at the scene of the accident, get information from each driver involved in the crash, such as name, phone number, address, license plate number, and insurance provider information. It’s also helpful to exchange contact information with any witnesses who saw what happened leading up to or during the accident so they can provide additional evidence should legal action need to be taken at a later date.
Step 5: Gather Evidence
Take pictures of all vehicles involved in order for insurance companies or lawyers representing either side of an argument to review them later on if necessary. Document any damage done by writing down notes about what happened before/during/after an impact has occurred as well as taking pictures/videos at both close range and wide-angle shots of all vehicles involved to support your future claim for compensation.
Additionally, make sure you have gathered witness statements from anyone who witnessed what happened. Witness statements could prove extremely valuable later when filing a claim against the at-fault driver and ensure that the driver is held liable for the damages caused by their negligence.
Step 6: Contact an Attorney
Speaking directly with an attorney following a car accident is highly recommended, regardless of the type or severity of your crash. An attorney will provide guidance regarding filing insurance claims against the negligent party. Additionally, a knowledgeable attorney will help navigate the complexities of the legal system to ensure that you obtain the compensation you deserve. The attorney you hire should be familiar with the laws of your state in order to assist you every step of the way effectively and promptly.
Following these tips can help ensure those injured in an automobile accident protect their health and receive the compensation to which they are entitled.
Get Trusted Legal Guidance
If you have been involved in a car accident and do not know what to do next, our attorneys at Oleen Law Firm can help. Contact our office in Manhattan, Kansas, to get trusted legal guidance and discuss your best course of action following your accident. We will protect your rights and help you strengthen your legal claim for compensation. Call today to schedule a consultation.