3 Things You Must Do After a Serious Accident

There’s no better cherry on top of a perfect day than a car accident, right?

Unfortunately, everyone will be in a car accident at some point in their driving lives. That means drivers need to know the basics of what to do after an accident- and that doesn’t mean whipping out your insurance card and getting the driver’s contact information.

Well, at least not for serious accidents.

The personal injury attorneys of Douglas, Haun & Heidemann, P.C. in Missouri helped outline critical steps drivers should take after a car, semi truck or hit-and-run accident.

What You Should Do After a Car Accident:

After a serious car accident, those involved and some witnesses will have to speak with arriving officers, insurance adjustors, and in extreme cases news crews (though that’s optional).

“Anything you say during these exchanges can hurt your ability to obtain compensation, even if you believe the case is clear-cut,” Springfield car accident attorney Craig Heidemann said. “Insurance companies, in particular, are looking for ways to avoid paying on behalf of their insuree.”

• Always agree to medical attention: Adrenaline commonly masks initial pain; so always allow medics to look at you and anyone else in the car at the scene of the crash. Sometimes injuries take hours or weeks to manifest. Not allowing this may weaken your potential to seek medical damages later on.
• Record the scene: Don’t feel the need to stream the crime scene on Facebook live, but do take pictures from multiple angles and write down anything and everything prior, during and after the accident occurred. Human memory is not always reliable and witness accounts are often proven wrong in court. But providing timely documentation can strengthen the credibility of your case or defense.
• Never admit any fault: It may seem one driver was the obvious player at fault, but there are many variables leading up to a quick accident. Stick with the facts, don’t admit blame and speak to an accident attorney as soon as possible.

What You Should Do After a Truck Accident:

Truck accidents are almost always serious; it’s scary to know they are also on the rise, nationally. From human error (on both sides) to truck defects and loading errors there are countless reasons truck accidents can happen. Always drive with caution around semi trucks and respect their size, extreme blind spots and brake times.

• Immediately seek medical attention: Semi trucks obviously pack more force than any other car on the road. Even if you seem okay, accept medical attention. Trucking accidents are a big deal and there will likely be many witnesses who stop to help; don’t let adrenaline or witnesses stop you from receiving medical attention.
• Call your insurance and hire an attorney: Accidents are disastrous for trucking companies and they have a lot to lose, which is why they immediately start their own internal investigations by sending someone out to the accident scene. An attorney - working on your behalf- will protect your rights, ability to pursue a lawsuit and make sure they stay in legal territory with their private investigation. Trucking companies may also try to settle- an attorney can help get you the compensation you are truly entitled to.
• Follow up with a doctor: Yes, it’s the second time medical care has come up. These accidents are serious, if not deadly, and injuries can manifest later on. If you do hire an attorney experienced in truck accidents, this should be your only worry.

What You Should Do After a Hit and Run Accident:

Hit-and-runs are living nightmares, ones that hopefully end with finding the person responsible before the hit driver (biker, motorcyclist or pedestrian) has forked over all the expenses. However, even if the victim is able to track down the driver, it’s not so black and white from there.

“Every hit-and-run involves elements of negligence, but pursuing civil lawsuits against a defendant can be difficult in some cases,” Heidemann, who specializes in Springfield hit-and-run accidents, said.  “To obtain compensation after a hit-and-run incident, the plaintiff must prove negligence. Leaving an accident scene is illegal and unreasonable, but it may not always prove causation in an accident.”

But, there are ways to help make sure compensation eventually comes.

• Hit-and-runs are fast, but get as much information as possible: License plates, vehicle details (model, color, broken tail light, etc), driver details are all things the hit driver may be able to get partial information on before the fleeing driver gets away. Repeat any details to yourself until you can safely write them down. This critical information could make or break your chances at tracking down the driver.
• Contact police immediately: Call the police and share any and all information you have. Do not go after the driver on your own; a driver who flees either has something to hide or is intoxicated.
• Seek medical attention: Notice a theme? Health is always a priority and should be taken seriously after an accident. Again, adrenaline is a major player in masking pain. Plus, hit-and-runs  bring up an array of other emotions and the need to talk with many people to catch the driver. Just don’t forget medical attention. It can also help the victim receive compensation later on.

Serious accidents are scary but with the right advice and people in your corner, they don’t have to remain a traumatizing experience.