What Details Need to be Exchanged in a Car Accident?
After an auto accident, you should exchange your full name, contact details, insurance information, driver’s license and license plate numbers, and type of vehicle with the other party. You should also note the location of the accident.
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Having The Right Information Is Essential After An Auto Collision
Most human beings are ill-prepared to deal with the unexpected. We do just fine as long as our lives follow their usual routine. But our calm demeanor can change in an instant, especially after a traumatic ordeal like an auto accident.
This is unfortunate because keeping your cool is more important than ever when things around you are going crazy. That’s why safety experts urge motorists to know what to do after an auto accident before one actually occurs.
This includes knowing what details to exchange with the other parties involved in the crash, including:
- Your full name and contact information, including phone number and email address: You can also let the other party know what your preferred form of contact is.
- The names of your respective insurance companies and your policy numbers.
- Your driver’s license and license plate numbers: Both for each party’s records and to ensure accurate reporting of the incident.
- A description of each vehicle involved in the accident: Including the make, model, color, and body style (such as two-door or four-door).
- The exact location of the accident: To facilitate a proper investigation of the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Other Steps You Should Take After An Accident
Exchanging information is one of several steps you should take after an auto collision. Others include:
- Gathering information about the accident: Talk to any witnesses, take pictures of both vehicles as well as the surrounding environment, and write down any thoughts or details which may be pertinent to the incident.
- Obtaining the names and badge numbers of the responding officers: You should also ask one of the officers where you can get a copy of the accident report.
- Contacting your insurance company: So they can start the claims process.
What To Do If Someone Has Been Injured In The Accident
Millions of people each year are injured in auto accidents. Here’s what to do if you or another party was hurt in the collision:
- Call 911: To summon both the police and emergency health responders to the scene.
- Check on your own health first: Are you in pain? Are you able to move about freely? Do you feel dizzy, nauseous, or lightheaded? Do you sense any numbness or tingling? Having the answers to these questions will help medical personnel to provide effective treatment for your injuries.
- Move to a safe location if possible: You want to get away from the flow of traffic to ensure your safety from ongoing traffic.
When To Reach Out To A Los Angeles Car Accident Attorney
Talking to a qualified legal expert should be near the top of your post-accident to-do list. Here’s why:
- To protect yourself against possible false accusations: Unscrupulous accident victims sometimes see an auto collision as a chance to cash in. The last thing you want is to be falsely accused of wrongdoing.
- To ensure that your interests are protected: You can bet that insurance companies and at-fault drivers will do everything possible to look after themselves. You need someone in your corner who will do the same for you.
- To fully understand your options for obtaining compensation: Never assume that a case is too minor or too cut-and-dry to benefit from expert legal advice. There may be aspects to your accident that only a skilled car accident lawyer can spot.
- To give yourself a much-needed sense of empowerment: Contacting a law firm is a positive, proactive step that can improve your peace of mind and help to put you on the road to recovery.
The skilled car accident attorneys here at Ellis Injury Law have recovered more than $350 million for their clients over the years. We offer free consultations and we work on contingency, so we collect no fees whatsoever unless your case prevails.
Get in touch with us today. We’re available 24/7 for your convenience.