{"id":956,"date":"2022-02-23T16:04:39","date_gmt":"2022-02-23T16:04:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cochranfirm.com\/memphis\/5-steps-to-take-immediately-after-an-auto-collision\/"},"modified":"2022-02-23T16:04:39","modified_gmt":"2022-02-23T16:04:39","slug":"5-steps-to-take-immediately-after-an-auto-collision","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cochranfirm.com\/memphis\/5-steps-to-take-immediately-after-an-auto-collision\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Steps to Take Immediately After an Auto Collision"},"content":{"rendered":"

Auto collisions can be very frightening and overwhelming. The impact, the adrenaline rush, and the surrounding vehicles all contribute to the intense shock of an accident\u2014even if it involves only a small fender bender. <\/span><\/p>\n

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 5.8 million car accidents<\/a> occur every year in the U.S. The odds of getting into an accident are quite high. Unfortunately, they can\u2019t be prevented sometimes due to distracted and reckless drivers. If you are involved in an accident, it is important to remain calm and take proper caution by following these 5 steps below: <\/span><\/p>\n

#1 Make Sure There are No Injuries <\/b><\/span>
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The most important step to take when involved in an accident is to make sure that you move your car and passengers to a safe environment\u2014on the shoulder of the road\u2014and away from fast-flowing traffic. Once the car is in a safe location, you should determine whether you or other occupants need immediate emergency attention. If so, call 911 immediately to send an ambulance to the scene of your accident. <\/span><\/p>\n

Unless the accident is very minor, you and the passenger(s) should seek medical attention following the accident. Often times, certain injuries can go unnoticed due to the adrenaline rush experienced at the time of the scene. <\/span><\/p>\n

#2 Document Your Findings of the Accident<\/b><\/span>
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It is important to have an official police report as this can help determine who was exactly at fault in the accident. This report will be important for the insurance company when you or the other party are making an insurance claim. The insurance company will also be able to reference the report to help determine the fault and your potential compensation. <\/span><\/p>\n

Ultimately, if you need to file a personal injury lawsuit due to dissatisfied compensation offered by the insurance company, this report will serve as an important piece of evidence in the courtroom. <\/span><\/p>\n

#3 Document Your<\/i> Findings of the Accident <\/b><\/span><\/h4>\n

Collect information from witnesses<\/a> on the scene. Make sure to write down their full names and contact information. In addition, take pictures of the full scene including: <\/span><\/p>\n