Getting into an accident is something nobody is experienced at. The waves of emotions can seem overwhelming, and the phrase “I didn’t know what to do” is a common refrain in our line of work. With that in mind, here are a few things to know and some basic guidelines to follow:
1. STOP: Take a breath. Leaving the scene of an accident is a crime and can bring severe penalties.
2. ASSESS YOUR INJURIES: During airline travel, safety protocols indicate you have to put on your own mask before assisting others with their own. DO a simple inventory: head, shoulder, knees, and toes. Be aware that you have adrenaline following and pain may arise later that you are not aware of now.
3. PROTECT THE SCENE: Turn on your flashers if they still functioning.
4. HELP THE INJURED: After doing your own inventory, assist anyone else who is hurt. Don’t move them unless necessary. Try to keep them warm and resting quietly until medical help arrives.
5. NOTIFY POLICE: Call if you can. Otherwise, have another motorist report the accident. Having a police report goes a long way in documenting the timeline of the incident. It is critically important to know the insurance information of the other driver/drivers at the time of the accident; this information can prove problematic to locate if the police are not involved at the time of the collision.
6. DOCUMENT: Do the best you can (without endangering yourself or others) to document the damages to your and the other vehicle. Do not alter any damages (i.e. bending a bumper back in) present.
7. MEDICAL CARE: It is critically important for your own well-being to seek the assessment and advice of a medical professional as soon as possible following an accident. As previously mentioned, pain may arise later that you were not aware of at the time of the collision; sometimes they arise days if not weeks later.
If you have any questions regarding your accident and would like to schedule a consultation, please do not hesitate to contact us. We at Rocky Mountain Personal Injury Lawyers, LLC, are here to help.
