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While drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians will always try to prevent roadside accidents, you must know what to do when things go wrong. After all, this can ensure those that need it most gain access to potentially life-saving support and can also help you to recover financially from the aftermath of an accident.
With that in mind, here’s exactly what you need to do in the aftermath of a roadside accident.
Stay calm.
When faced with dangerous scenarios, our bodies can instantly snap into panic mode. This is a defense mechanism designed to prevent us from further danger, but it can also cause us to act erratically. As a result, it’s crucial that you’re able to remain calm. Doing so means you’re of more use to yourself and those around you, especially if somebody is injured.
Contact emergency services.
Once you’ve moved to a safe space, you should immediately contact the relevant emergency services to report the accident. After all, the sooner they are contacted, the sooner everyone involved can get help. It’s important you follow this step even if you believe you are at fault and are worried about the repercussions that may follow.
Check yourselves (and others) for injuries.
Checking yourself and others involved for injuries is also a crucial step, even if you may have already contacted emergency services. After all, if someone is dealing with a serious injury, they’ll need immediate attention – and this is something you may have to provide. Again, you must keep calm. If possible, stay on the phone with emergency services, who can provide you with guidance at this time.
Take photographs.
If your car or bike is severely damaged in the aftermath of an accident, and you intend to place a claim on your insurance, it’s vital that you also take photographs during this time. This will make it much easier to file a claim, and the evidence could also be used in court. Simply put, “pictures can show the damage to both vehicles and any injuries suffered. This can help to prove that the accident was real and not staged.”
Hire a lawyer.
Regardless of whether or not you were at fault for the accident, it’s also important that you hire a lawyer. This way, you can access invaluable legal advice moving forward and ensure your best interests are protected. For example, a lawyer can help you get a better payout if you have to take time off work to recover from your injuries.
However, it’s important that you hire a lawyer who has worked on similar cases before, as this will make it much easier for them to protect your best interests moving forward. For example, if you’re a cyclist, you need to find the best bicycle accident lawyer for you who will be able to advocate for you in court.
While hiring a lawyer may seem daunting, they’re friendly, experienced professionals who always operate with your best interests at heart – meaning they’ll fight your corner when you need them most.
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