There may be few things in life that are as stressful and intimidating as being involved in a motor vehicle collision. Chances are, you probably consider it preferable to adhere to Kentucky state traffic laws and safe driving procedures in hopes of reducing the odds that a crash will occur.
Unfortunately, incidents of this nature aren’t always avoidable, and if you are in an accident, you could be feeling somewhat shaken up and uncertain about what to do. While predicting a collision may be impossible, you may be able to form a plan for how to handle the situation should one occur.
Knowing what to do after an accident occurs
After a collision takes place, it could prove difficult to keep calm and react accordingly. However, if you have a general understanding of how to handle an accident, you may find the process less intimidating, and some of the steps to take during this period may include:
- Address the situation: The first step to take is to address the situation and move your vehicle away from heavy traffic if possible.
- Call the authorities: Once you check on everyone involved, it might be advisable to contact the police. You may also want to obtain a copy of the official police report of the incident, as it might prove useful down the road.
- Obtain medical attention: Even if you don’t feel as though you are hurt, it might be in your best interests to seek medical attention, as some injuries take time to develop symptoms.
- Exchange information: After a collision, it is generally advisable to exchange contact and insurance information with all parties involved.
- Take notes: Following the accident, you should take pictures if possible, and jot down notes of the events leading up to the crash. If anyone witnessed the incident, writing down their contact information and a statement could prove exceedingly beneficial.
You may also find it advisable to exercise caution when speaking of the incident, as a well-intentioned apology could be viewed as an admittance of guilt or fault. If you suffered serious injuries in the incident, it might be in your best interests to obtain guidance on the best course of action with which to proceed.
The next steps
Knowing what to do after an accident can prove beneficial, but it may only be the first step of the process. If the other party is deemed at fault in the crash, you could be entitled to restitution, but navigating the civil justice system can be a complex process. However, by obtaining guidance from someone who is knowledgeable in such matters, you could become better prepared to pursue the full amount of compensation to which you’re entitled through a personal injury claim.