Being involved in a car accident is a very stressful event that can be a little overwhelming. Law enforcement officers and first responders will work quickly to get you the necessary medical attention if needed while clearing the roadway for traffic. Knowing what to expect immediately after an accident will also help alleviate some of the stress that many people experience following a car crash. That is why we have put together this shortlist of what you can expect in a situation where a car accident occurs.
Police Arrival
A law enforcement officer will be dispatched to your location immediately after the crash. They will begin their investigation by taking note of what transpired leading up to this point. The first thing that they will do is contact emergency medical services if needed and then work on clearing the roadway for traffic. It’s not uncommon for law enforcement officers to ask you several questions about the accident. Some of the car accident frequently asked questions include how fast were you driving, where were you driving, or what actions led up to the crash. They will also gather your personal information like your full name, date of birth, and your current address.
Some of this information may be crucial in helping them determine who was at fault in the accident. Therefore, you should be very careful when answering them as you don’t want to incriminate yourself. The officer will also take pictures of the scene with their camera or cell phone before moving on to their next steps.
First Responders Arrival
In some cases, a first responder will arrive on the scene before law enforcement officials do so. Many people think that a first responder is the same thing as an emergency medical technician. However, a first responder is any person who responds to an emergency before paramedics or EMTs arrive. These people are trained in basic first aid and come from many different backgrounds. Many of them are simply witnesses to the accident who want to help or passersby that have stopped on the side of the road. In most cases, the witnesses are those who call in the police and paramedics. First responders will often try to do their best to make sure you are safe and out of harm’s way while waiting for law enforcement officers and/or EMTs to arrive.
Medical Attention
Emergency medical services will also arrive right after a call has been placed for their assistance. This is when you may be transported by ambulance if your injuries require more urgent attention than what can be provided at the scene. EMTs will check your vital signs, assess any serious injuries, such as excessive bleeding or difficulty breathing, and give you some pain medication if necessary before transporting you to an area hospital for further treatment. Depending on differing state laws, EMTs may also provide additional care like bandaging your wounds or putting casts on broken bones until law enforcement officials arrive to take over.
Police Report
A police report is essentially a written document that outlines what happened in the accident. It contains information about the vehicles involved, any injuries sustained by victims, and whether or not you were cited for any traffic violations at the scene. A police report is one of the most important documents to have after being involved in a car accident. This is the document that you will need to submit any insurance claims and/or take legal action against another party. In many instances, it’s advisable to request a copy of your police report if you feel that you were not at fault or if someone else was cited for causing the accident.
Insurance Claims
Your insurance company may also send someone out to assess the damage to your vehicle. This will help to determine the extent of repairs needed and whether or not your car can be driven away from the scene, or must be towed away instead. An insurance adjuster is usually an employee for your insurance company that has been trained to investigate what caused the accident and may even talk with other witnesses if necessary.
Before you contact your insurance adjuster, it is advisable to consult a lawyer first, as they can help to ensure that your interests are protected and that you’re not making any unnecessary mistakes. Also, some states require that an official police report be filed before you file an insurance claim, so make sure you check the laws in your area before calling anyone.
Car Accident Lawsuit
If you have sustained serious injuries in a car accident, you may want to consider filing a lawsuit against the individual who was at fault for causing the crash. You will need to gather evidence from witnesses and experts that can prove another party was negligent by not paying attention or following traffic laws before you file a claim. It’s always advisable to seek legal counsel from an experienced personal injury lawyer if your accident involves significant injuries and/or damages beyond what your insurance will cover.
In conclusion, car accidents can be a very stressful experience, especially if you have been seriously injured. However, you must do your best to keep calm and remember everything mentioned in this article, as it will help to ensure you are fully aware of your rights and responsibilities and will help you get the best out of this unfortunate event.