What to Do Immediately After an Auto Accident

Being involved in a car accident can be both stressful and disorienting. Knowing the steps to take immediately after a collision in Grand Rapids, MI, from checking for injuries to contacting a car accident lawyer, can help you handle the situation more effectively.

Calmly Check for Injuries

The best thing you can do in the aftermath of an emergency is stay calm. Check yourself for injuries first. If you are all right, check on any passengers in your vehicle and the driver or passengers of the other car. If anyone is seriously injured, call 911 and try not to move them until emergency services arrive, as you may worsen their injuries.

Move to Safety

If you are able to, move your vehicle to a safe area away from traffic to prevent further accidents. Turn off your engine and turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers. If your car cannot be driven, you and any passengers should move out of the road to a safe location.

Call Emergency Services

You’re legally required to report a motor vehicle accident in the state of Michigan, and it’s easiest if you do that right away. Call 911 to report the accident. Provide specific details like your location, the number of vehicles involved in the accident, and whether anyone has been injured.

The police officers who respond will fill out an accident report and document the scene. Be sure to answer any questions they ask and provide your driver’s license and insurance information. If, for some reason, police cannot respond to the scene, you may need to go to the nearest police station and complete a report yourself.

Do Not Admit Fault

Be careful what you say after the accident. Even saying “I’m sorry” can be interpreted as an admission of guilt. Stick to the facts when talking to other drivers and the police. Let your insurance company and legal experts determine who is at fault.

Gather Information

Exchange names, addresses, phone numbers, insurance companies, policy numbers, driver’s license numbers, and license plate numbers with all drivers involved. If there are witnesses, try to get their contact information as well. They may be able to help if the other driver disputes your version of events.

Document the Scene

Take pictures of the accident scene, including all vehicles involved, any damage, and any injuries. Photograph any nearby road signs, skidmarks, or environmental conditions that may have contributed to the accident. This evidence can assist in your claim or any necessary legal action.

Notify Your Insurance Company

Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Find out if you have any medical benefits as part of your coverage. You pay extra for that, so you should use it.

Seek Medical Attention

Even if you feel fine, it’s wise to see a doctor. Injuries from car accidents can appear days after the actual incident. It’s also helpful to have a medical record from right after the accident, to help link injuries to the collision.

Consult a Car Accident Lawyer in Grand Rapids, MI

Consulting with an attorney is especially important if you were injured in the accident or there’s a dispute over who’s at fault. Your lawyer can protect your rights and ensure valuable evidence is not destroyed. Often, insurance companies want to take statements immediately after an accident. It’s important you receive legal advice before you provide that statement.

By following these steps, you can navigate the post-accident process more smoothly. Contact Holmes & Wiseley, P.C., in Grand Rapids, MI, to protect your legal rights.

Tags: Auto Accident, Auto Accident Grand Rapids, Auto Accident Michigan, Car Accident, Car Accident Attorney, Car Accident Lawyer
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