What To Do When Car Accidents Happen

April 1, 2015

What to do when car accidents happen

While car accidents are a common occurrence this time of year throughout Pennsylvania, it’s possible that many drivers may not be aware of the steps they should take following an accident.

It is first important to remain as calm as possible. The first thing may go without saying–stay as calm as possible. The moments following a collision with another vehicle can be confusing, especially if you’re injured. If you’re hurt, try to call emergency services if possible. If others are around, and you are conscious, it is important to keep communication with people and let them know you are awake.

If you haven’t sustained serious injuries and you’re mobile, get out of your vehicle, but only after you have checked your surroundings to ensure traffic around you has stopped. Many people are killed after they leave their vehicle just after a minor accident has occurred. If you can, place cones around your vehicle and turn on your hazard lights so that approaching vehicles know to steer clear.

Finally, make sure the police are called and that you contact your insurance agent or company as soon as possible. And be sure to get insurance information from any other driver involved, as well as pictures, witness names and numbers, and personal information from officers on the scene.

Taking these steps after car accidents will help you should a lawsuit or negotiations arise. This information can be extremely important for your lawyer to use should he or she need helping proving one thing or another in court. If you have been in an auto accident, please call the Pittsburgh car accidents lawyers at Goodrich & Geist, P.C. today for a free consultation at 800-806-2456.