There were 5.9 million car crashes in 2022, which resulted in 1.6 million injuries and 42k deaths. In this year alone (2024) there were 8,650 fatal car accidents in the first three months, so it pays to know what to do if you are involved in an accident. This is especially true if you are at fault, such as if you got behind the wheel while drunk – 37 people die every day because of drunk drivers.
1. Stop Immediately and Render Aid
If you cause an accident, the first thing you should do is stop your vehicle immediately. Do not drive away without checking whether anyone was hurt – 25% of pedestrian deaths in 2022 were caused by hit and run drivers!
Make sure to pull over to a safe location out of the way of oncoming traffic. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers of the accident.
Next, check on the condition of anyone involved in the crash. If there are injuries, call 911 immediately to report the accident and get medical assistance on the way. Provide first aid if you can safely do so while waiting for paramedics to arrive. Getting prompt medical attention for the injured should be your top priority.
Even if there are no apparent injuries, it's important to remain at the scene and offer assistance. Do not admit fault at the accident scene, even if it was your fault.
2. Call the Police
In most states, the law requires you to contact the police after an accident if there are any injuries or major vehicle damage. Even if it's a minor bump, it's still a good idea to call the police so there is an official report of the incident.
Provide the exact location of the accident and details about any injuries to the dispatcher. Follow any instructions from the officer about moving your vehicle before police arrive. Also, make sure to get the badge number and name of the responding officer for your records.
Having a police report can help protect you later when sorting out fault and insurance claims. The officer may also be able to help control traffic flow or provide other assistance at the scene.
3. Exchange Insurance Information
If possible, obtain the names, addresses, phone numbers, insurance details, and driver's license numbers of all the other drivers involved. This information is crucial for insurance and liability purposes later.
4. Consult a Car Accident Attorney if Necessary
Get in touch with a car accident lawyer. An experienced auto accident attorney like Kenny Habetz can help protect your rights during the claims process. This is especially important if multiple parties were involved or you are at fault for any reason. The other party(s) may also bear some responsibility for the accident, which is something your lawyer can work out while defending any claim against you.
5. Notify Your Insurance Company
Some insurance policies require notification within a certain timeframe after an accident, so don't delay reporting it. Keep copies of any correspondence and claim numbers for your records.
An attorney may recommend not providing any written or recorded statements before reviewing the evidence thoroughly. They can also assist with navigating complex legal and insurance issues to reach the best possible outcome given your fault in the accident.
Having proper legal guidance can make a big difference when you are at fault in a car accident, so don’t delay in making that call.
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