February 1st, 2024 |
A Simple Guide on What to Do After a Car Crash
By Attorney Mike Bertling
Reading Time: 2 minutes
As we all know, winter brings a lot of snow to Wisconsin. While it sets a festive mood for the holidays and brings back winter sports, it also causes slippery roads. In light of this, people must not only adapt their driving habits to match winter conditions but also remain aware of the steps to take in the event of a crash.
The best road safety practices include adopting preventive measures, such as slowing down on the roads, maintaining a safe following distance from other drivers, and ensuring vehicles are properly maintained.
Distracted driving during the winter also poses a risk to safe driving, especially as more people travel for the holidays and the weather becomes unpleasant. Minimizing distractions like texting, eating, or adjusting the stereo can help prevent car crashes. Proactive measures, like completing tasks before driving or activating the “Do Not Disturb” function on phones, help people resist the temptation of calls and messages.
Of course, accidents still happen even with these precautions. The checklist below can help guide individuals through the unfortunate aftermath of a car crash:
- Contact Law Enforcement
The first thing to do after a car crash is to call the police. They will help individuals document the accident and secure an official report of the incident.
- Check for Injuries
Prioritizing the safety and well-being of all parties involved is also crucial after a crash. Individuals should check for injuries and seek medical attention for those in need. Immediate medical care can make a significant difference in the recovery process.
- Exchange Driver Information
Cooperate with other parties involved in the accident and exchange driver information. This includes names, contact details, insurance information, and vehicle details. Having this information on hand streamlines the claims process.
- Preserve the Scene with Photographs
Next, thoroughly document the scene of the crash by taking photographs. Capture the positioning of vehicles, road conditions, and any relevant details. This photographic evidence can be helpful for insurance purposes and potential legal proceedings.
- Inform the Insurance Company
Individuals should then inform their insurance company about the accident. It’s important for people to share details cautiously and accurately because this information may be used against them when filing a claim or case against the insurance company. Individuals should also avoid speaking to the other driver’s insurance company until they have talked to a lawyer.
- Consider Speaking with an Attorney
Individuals may also want to explore the possibility of filing a car accident lawsuit or pursuing a personal injury case after a crash. Winning such a case without legal representation can be challenging since insurance companies have teams of lawyers and adjusters to manage personal injury claims. An experienced car accident lawyer can level the playing field and help individuals get the compensation they deserve.
The McLario Firm in downtown Menomonee Falls has a team of experienced personal injury attorneys. Their dedicated advocacy helps individuals receive the compensation they rightfully deserve and allows them to concentrate on the path to recovery. Those seeking legal guidance following a car crash can contact The McLario Firm for a free consultation and find out what options are available to them.
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