Getting into a car accident can be a troubling and scary ordeal, which is why it’s entirely normal for our first reaction to be one of fear and concern. But instead of getting worked up, it’s important to stay calm and follow the appropriate steps to ensure the accident is handled correctly and any injuries you or the other driver may have sustained are cared for. If you get into an auto accident in Indianapolis, you need to follow these five steps.
Assess Your Injuries & Call 9-1-1
In Indiana, you are required by law to report any accident to the police that causes injuries, death, or damages totaling $1,000 or more. Whether the accident seems serious or not, it’s always a good idea to call 9-1-1 and report the accident. You may not realize just how bad the damage or the injuries may be and you don’t want to end up in a situation that can’t be solved because you failed to call the police.
Gather Information
Once the police have been called, use the waiting time to gather all appropriate information. This means collecting the names and phone numbers of all involved, along with their insurance information, and the names and number of any witnesses, should there be any. Write down the license plate numbers of any vehicles involved and when the police arrive, be sure to write down their names and badge numbers so you can contact them later on if needed.
Take Photos
The insurance companies will never be at the scene of a crash, so it’s important to help them paint a picture of what happened and the damages that occurred by taking as many photos as possible. Take pictures of both cars, where damage occurred and didn’t occur, snap shots of the intersection where the accident happened and any injuries you may have suffered.
Get Medical Attention
Car accidents cause a number of injuries, from simple bruises and scratches to full blown concussions and broken bones. But many of the injuries that occur during an accident don’t show up right away. Our adrenaline is high from the crash, which causes pain to subside longer than usual. Because of this, it’s vital that all those involved in a car wreck seek medical attention as soon as possible. While there, be sure to get copies of all your medical papers for insurance.
Call an Attorney
Getting into an accident can sometimes be the first step toward a long road to recovery. Whether your damages were small or life-changing, having an experienced car accident attorney on your side can make all the difference when it comes to compensation and end results. An attorney should be called before any papers are signed and before you speak with the other driver’s insurance company.
If you were involved in a car accident in the Indianapolis area, call the attorneys at Stewart & Stewart. We will take on the insurance companies and be sure you get the best possible result. Contact us by giving us a call at 1-800-33-33-LAW or visiting our website.