Being involved in a car accident on a California roadway can really shake you up. It is especially difficult if it is a serious accident. You may not be thinking correctly or you may be incredibly upset over the ordeal. In any case, before you ever hit the road, you should have a good plan in place for what to do if you are in an accident. Preparing before anything ever happens can really help you to keep a clear mind when the worst does occur.
The Nemours Foundation offers some tips on the things you should do after a car accident to help ensure everyone is okay and that the accident is properly handled. It starts with assessing the situation. You want to make sure everyone in your car is safe and then check on those in the other vehicles if you can. Moving off the roadway is the best bet if it is possible.
You should then contact law enforcement. Let them know if anyone is hurt so they can send medical help. Make sure you know where you are located to help them find you quickly. You can then start gathering information. Get license plate numbers, driver’s license numbers, names, addresses, phone numbers and insurance information. Also, get information from anyone who may have witnessed the crash. Take pictures of the scene if possible. Also, while it is fresh, make notes about what happened.
After you leave the accident, you should call your insurance agent to report the accident. You may also want to seek legal help to ensure you are protected during the investigations and proceedings to come. This information ins not legal advice. It is intended to educate only.