Car accidents can happen anywhere and anytime. Victims of car accidents often face several challenges, including high medical costs and a loss of quality of life as a result of injuries sustained in the incident.
For example, in September 2024, a car crossed the centerline on Union Road, resulting in a terrible accident that killed 58-year-old James Auten and injured several others. Earlier that year, in February, a pedestrian was killed after being hit by a car on North Chester Street in Gastonia, North Carolina, highlighting the dangers faced by both drivers and pedestrians.
Gastonia, NC, car accident statistics indicate that many individuals are involved in accidents while traveling to Charleston via Interstate 85 or heading towards Hickory on Interstate 40. Knowing what to do after a serious car accident is important for your health, safety, legal rights, and financial future.
This article will provide a clear, step-by-step overview of the necessary steps to take after a major car accident.
Assessing the Situation and Ensuring Safety
Before assessing others, check yourself for injuries. If anybody is hurt, attempt to stabilize the victim while waiting for emergency services. If there is an imminent danger, such as a fire hazard, relocate to a more secure location.
Position your vehicle away from oncoming traffic. If possible, switch on the vehicle hazard lights to warn other drivers of your situation. Display the warning triangles or flares for road traffic if they are available.
In emergencies like fires, do not move unresponsive or fatally injured people. Wrongful death attorney Frank Santini, Esq. says proving fault is not always necessary in car accident cases, but if your damages exceed the scope of your insurance coverage or you suffer any type of serious injury that causes long-term or permanent harm, you have valid grounds for a civil lawsuit against the responsible party.
A trustworthy personal injury lawyer can represent you and your family in court if you decide to take legal action. Working with a qualified attorney increases your chances of getting justice and submitting a successful claim.
Calling Emergency Services and Reporting the Accident
When you have taken all necessary precautions to guarantee everyone’s safety, you must contact emergency services and report the accident.
Dial the emergency number suitable for your area, indicating the cause of the incident clearly. Give them information about the exact location, number of vehicles involved, and if there are any injured individuals.
Maintain composure and answer the operator’s questions. It is important to clearly communicate the urgency of the situation, especially if severe injuries are involved.
Once emergency services arrive at the location, avoid discussing fault or making statements that could impede the progress of your case later on. Maintain a safe distance from the involved vehicles and warn onlookers to stay away from all potential hazards.
Providing Medical Assistance and Support
If the medical team has not yet arrived, you can assess the situation and provide basic medical care until the emergency team arrives.
Check to see if the injured are responding to external stimuli. If the injured person is conscious, reassure them and assess the extent of their injuries. Put them in the recovery position if they are breathing and unconscious.
To stop severe bleeding, apply a clean cloth to the wound and push directly on the affected area while elevating it if feasible. You should avoid moving significantly injured patients, especially if spinal injury is suspected.
If they are not breathing, start CPR. Try to remain calm and make the patient as comfortable as possible until emergency assistance arrives.
Simply being present and providing positive support will be greatly beneficial to the injured victims.
Documenting the Scene and Gathering Information
The accident scene must be properly documented and relevant information gathered while medical assistance is being rendered.
Photograph the accident. The pictures must focus on the vehicles’ positions, visible equipment damage, and any road signs. Record the date, time, and weather conditions.
Interview any witnesses to the incident. Keep their contact number information, as their testimony would be essential in the forthcoming times. Exchange information with the other driver, including names, driver’s license numbers, phone numbers, insurance information, and license plates.
If possible, sketch the scene to illustrate how the accident occurred. Visual documentation greatly aids in understanding the incident and strengthens your potential appeal.
Consulting With Legal Professionals and Insurance Companies
After a car accident, it is important to consult a legal professional or insurance company to protect your rights in the matter of compensation.
To find out if your policy covers the accident, contact your insurance company and report what happened. They will help you go through the claim process and help you understand the coverage of your policy.
Do not delay seeking proper legal advice if the case involves injury. Investing in a skilled attorney allows you to easily address legal disputes, deal with insurance adjusters, and defend your best interests.
An attorney will review your case, gather relevant evidence, and protect you from being taken advantage of during this difficult time.
