Driving can be a challenge during any time of year.
With so many drivers on highways and roads, the chances of an accident occurring is high. It is important to be aware of what to do after a car accident no matter where you live in Tennessee.
If you are in a car accident, here is what you can do to stay safe.
What to do after a car accident
The first thing to remember after a car accident is never to leave the scene. If you leave the scene of an accident without exchanging information with other drivers, then it is considered a hit and run.
Even if you’re not at fault for the crash, a hit and run poses a needless legal hurdle which endangers the safety of others.
Instead, if you are in a car accident, you should follow these steps to ensure your safety:
- Call emergency officials if drivers or passengers are injured.
- Call the police to document the accident in the form of a police report.
- Move your vehicle, if possible, to prevent other accidents from occurring.
- Talk to other drivers or witnesses at the scene of the crime.
After ensuring that you, your passengers, and any other people involved are safe, the next steps are to exchange information with other drivers.
Depending on the number of drivers involved, the severity of driver and passenger injuries, or even the weather, this step may be challenging. However, it is the best thing to do if you want to file a claim after a car accident.
Other tips to have a seamless experience after an accident include:
- Exchanging details with other drivers, such as:
- Contact information (name, address, etc.).
- Driver license number from every driver involved.
- Insurance details.
- License plate number from every driver involved.
- Vehicle details (color, make, and model).
- Vehicle registration number.
- Ask witnesses for their account of the accident(s).
- Take photos of:
- Physical damage
- Property damage (if applicable)
- Vehicle damage
- Weather (if it may have been a factor in your accident)
Other things to consider after a car accident
There are other things to consider after a car accident that can be beneficial to remember. Symptoms of physical injuries may not onset until after an accident.
These are some of the physical symptoms to be aware of following a car accident which may require medical attention:
- Back pain
- Headaches
- Neck pain or shoulder pain
- Numbness
- Stomach pain
Although physical symptoms are the most prevalent after a car accident, that does not mean that they are the easiest to treat. Emotional trauma involving driving, either as a driver or a passenger, can also occur.
This trauma can be more difficult to diagnose and, in some cases, PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) can be diagnosed. Some symptoms of PTSD with regards to car accidents include:
- Avoiding any emotions or reminders of the accident
- Avoiding medical procedures or tests
- Constant feelings of anger, anxiousness, or crankiness
- Constantly reliving the incident
- Nightmares or trouble sleeping
In addition, depending on which agency is investigating the accident, obtaining a crash report can be useful.
If you are attempting to obtain this report, it will contain information such as the severity of car damage, injuries to both drivers and passengers, and even witness names who may have provided information about the accident.
This can be of assistance if you decide to contact a personal injury attorney to represent you in filing a legal claim against other drivers.
Who to contact after a car accident
With so many drivers on Chattanooga highways and roads, there are bound to be some drivers who are inattentive.
As a result, there will be accidents which may impact you or your family. If you are in a car, motorcycle, or truck accident within the area or within Tennessee, it is important to first ensure that you, your family, and your loved ones are safe.
Then, it is time to contact an attorney who can represent you and your claim. With over 20 years of legal experience, injury attorneys Dennis and King can help you if you are involved in a car, motorcycle, or truck accident.
If you live in the Chattanooga area, contact Dennis and King. Contact us today at (423)-892-5533 for a free legal consultation.
