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Personal Injury Law Blog

3 things you should do immediately following a car accident

Car accidents occur at an alarming rate, and the freeways in and around Greenville do not escape this statistic. If you ever experience a motor vehicle accident whether on the freeway or surface streets, it can wind up jarring you physically and emotionally.

After suffering a crash of any kind, you should prepare yourself for what comes next. Take a look at three things you should do immediately following an accident to ensure you retain your rights and safety.

1. Call the police

After you process what just happened, your next move should include phoning the local law enforcement. Give the 911 operator all pertinent information you can. Depending on the severity of the crash and your possible injuries, you may not have the ability to give many details. However, do the best you can. If the operator determines your accident a fender bender, the police may opt not to come to the scene, especially if no one sustained injuries.

2. Do a self-evaluation

Your next reaction after an accident may have you leaping out of your car to check out the damage to your car or check on the occupants of the other vehicle. However, before doing so, you need to take some time to sit back and identify any areas of your body that hurt. Pay special attention to the head, neck and back as these sensitive body parts cannot often cause great pain and further damage if you move around too much.

3. Exchange information

Once you check and deem yourself fit, check on the other vehicle. If everyone can talk and move freely and if the police have not arrived, you can opt to exchange personal information such as your driver’s license and insurance information. You should also take down the VIN and other information regarding the make, model and year of the car.

Getting into a car crash is a traumatic event no matter the speed or circumstances. Whether it is a tap on the bumper or a T-bone at an intersection, knowing the steps to take immediately following is critical to your care.