Being involved in a car wreck is always a very stressful and frightening experience as Westchester auto accident attorneys are all too aware. When the accident is significant and more than just a fender bender, it can quickly rise from stressful to terrifying, particularly if you or a loved one is hurt. It can also be traumatic if another driver or passenger in the accident is severely hurt or killed.
Knowing what to do at the scene of an accident is important. This allows you to have a series of steps to follow and, when possible, to gather the information needed by Westchester auto accident attorneys.
Assess Injuries and Safety
The first thing to do at the accident scene is to ensure that no one is hurt or requires immediate medical attention. Check all vehicles and all drivers and passengers, notifying the 911 dispatcher if injuries have occurred. Call police immediately to report the accident.
Next, before taking pictures or gathering information, make sure the situation is safe. This includes stepping out of any traffic lanes and moving to the side of the road, well away from any risk of further injury. Never step back out onto a busy roadway to take pictures or gather information, do that well away from any traffic.
Collect Information
The next important step all Westchester auto accident attorneys will recommend is to gather as much information as you can. You should do this even if the police are on the scene but don’t interfere with the police officers questioning and information gathering.
Use the camera on your phone to document damage to the vehicle, license plate numbers and other details of the scene, including any hidden traffic signs or other issues. Also, write down as much information as provided about the other people involved in the accident, including driver’s licenses and insurance company information.
Be sure also to get names and contact information from any witnesses on the scene. Don’t worry about getting statements, the Westchester auto accident attorneys will arrange that when and if necessary.
Ask the officer on the scene for the case number of the accident report. This will also be helpful for Westchester auto accident attorneys to quickly obtain the necessary information to gather the facts of the case.
You should also interview Westchester auto accident attorneys and choose an attorney to work with as quickly as possible. This is important to start working on your case and to provide the immediate assistance and support you need in the days after the accident.
As one of the top Westchester auto accident attorneys Mary Ann Covone Attorney At Law is here to help you in getting fair compensation after an accident. To learn more go to Covonelaw.com.
