5 Steps to Take After an Auto Accident

There are many things that you can do to reduce your risk of getting involved in a car accident. From wearing your seatbelt to avoiding distracted driving, following the rules of the road will keep you safe. However, serious accidents can occur when least expected and result in serious injuries. If you or a family member has been involved in a car accident, take note of the following steps to keep yourself and everyone around you safe.

Stay calm and find safety

Immediately after the car accident, you may feel anxious, panicky and often confused. The first thing you need to remember is that it’s important to remain calm. If you are conscious, check yourself for any visible injuries and ensure the other passengers are safe. Don’t be quick to leave the accident scene before you’ve made an initial assessment of your surroundings. Another important thing is to exercise caution. Be careful when exiting the car to avoid further injuries and consider remaining in your vehicle until authorities arrive.

Gather as much evidence as you can

Collect as much information as possible of the scene of the accident. After exiting the vehicle safely and ensuring the passengers are safe, it may be helpful to ask someone to take pictures of the accident scene including the environment and road conditions that may have contributed to the crash. If there are any witnesses of the event, collect their contact information.

Get medical help

Even if you haven’t sustained any major injuries, it is still important to seek medical attention after being involved in a car crash. If the accident resulted in a serious injury, an ambulance should be called to ferry the victims quickly to the nearest hospital. Keep track of all the symptoms you begin to experience after the car accident.

Get in touch with your insurance company

Notify your insurance company that the accident took place.

Speak to a lawyer

Most importantly, speak to a lawyer as soon as possible while the events following the accident are still fresh in your mind. This ensures that all the evidence required to support your claim is gathered and to ensure your claim is fully investigated at an early onset. With the help of an experienced auto accident lawyer, you can receive the legal guidance you need to file a successful claim.

While car accidents in Ontario are all too common, a good lawyer can build a strong case for you and help you recover full and fair compensation.