When you are hurt in a car accident in Tulsa, there are several important steps you must take to ensure you get the support you need. What you do after a car accident can impact your ability to recover damages as well as get proper assignment of fault. Consider these steps to take. Call a Tulsa car accident attorney from Gorospe Law Group to schedule a free consultation.
Pull Over and Check for Injuries
Your first goal is to put yourself in a safe position. If possible, pull to the side of the road. Avoid getting out of the car if there is traffic surrounding you. Call 911 at that point. Check for injuries on yourself and your passengers. If you can do so, check for injuries on other drivers as well.
Wait for Help to Arrive
Depending on the severity of the situation, you may need to follow the dispatcher’s instructions on treating injuries and minimizing further risks at the scene. Listen to the dispatcher and follow the police officer’s directions.
When It Is Safe: Do the Following
Once you are medically safe and out of the way of traffic, you need to gather evidence of what occurred and document the entire process. Here are a few things to consider:
- Exchange name, phone number, and driver’s license numbers with the other drivers involved. You should also exchange insurance information.
- Capture the make, model, and year of the other vehicle and any information you notice about damage to it.
- Document the incident with photos. Take photos of your car and injuries, as well as the other party’s vehicle. You can also record a video of what occurred to provide more clarity.
Make sure you head to the ER and then provide a statement to the police about what occurred. Only convey facts in the police report.
When Should You Hire an Attorney?
You can contact the insurance company of the at-fault party right away or contact your insurance company to inform them of the accident. Do not file a claim yet. In serious car accidents, it is critical to have access to the legal support you need as soon as possible.
When you hire an attorney after your accident, they will handle the rest of the process for you, including gathering witness statements, documenting injuries and losses, and following up with the at-fault driver’s insurance. Most importantly, they will help you file a claim and ensure that you get the support you need.
Keep in mind that insurance companies will try to close out the case fast, but if you have serious injuries, that can be disastrous. Allow your attorney to guide you through this process of filing a claim and getting the compensation owed to you fairly.
You Were Already in an Accident
If you were already in a car accident in Tulsa, you may not have taken all of these steps. The good news is that your attorney can still help you find available evidence to hold those who hurt you accountable. Do not wait to reach out to a Tulsa car accident attorney as soon as possible.