No one gets into their car with the intention of getting into a car accident. Every person who’s in an auto accident is always shocked that it happened to them. In the minutes following an automobile accident, every decision you make matters. Keep reading to find out what you can do to minimize the damage to your health and wealth in the immediate wake of a car accident.
Safety First
No two car accidents are the same and they all vary in terms of severity. Some car accidents are minor fender benders where no one’s health is at all jeopardized. Other car accidents are serious events where people are severely injured. In the immediate wake of a car accident, you should be concerned only with safety. Turn off your ignition, check on the welfare of everyone in your vehicle and then approach the cars of the other involved parties to assess whether or not they’re okay. This is not the time to think about lawyers of insurance agents. Your first priority should be the safety and wellness of everyone involved.
Contact Authorities
You should call the authorities as soon as you’ve ensured that all parties are safe. If some individuals are in serious condition, it’s even more essential that you get fire and rescue to the scene of the accident as soon as possible. Never try to move someone who is seriously injured, as you can cause further injury by doing so. Instead, turn off the ignition in their vehicle and call the authorities. Even in the case of a minor fender bender, it’s a good idea to request a police officer at the scene of the accident to file a report, which can be invaluable for insurance claims.
Contact Your Insurer and Your Attorney
Once the authorities have arrived and you’ve been cleared health-wise, it’s time to start thinking about your financial safety. Contact your insurance agency. In the event of a serious accident, contact an Oregon auto accident attorney.
Remember, safety should be your top priority in any auto accident. These tips will ensure that you stay safe should you ever be involved in a car accident.