What to do after an Accident

The moments after you have a car accident can be terrifying. Your main goal should be to remain calm and think through your next steps. Easley & Houseal has compiled a short list of things to do after experiencing a car accident:

Stop immediately. Stay calm and do what you can within reason to avoid blocking traffic. Never leave the scene of an Arkansas auto accident in which you or your car was involved, no matter how slight the collision. Pull over to the side of the road as soon as possible without endangering any other person and without obstructing traffic.

Check to see if anyone is injured. Contact 911 or any other ambulance service in order to receive medical treatment. Do not assume that a lack of an obvious injury means that a person is not hurt.

Call the police. An Arkansas auto accident should be reported to the proper authorities. The report may not only be helpful if you determine that you are injured or there is damage to your car, but it may also be helpful later if the other person tries to avoid responsibility for the accident.

Don't sign. If an insurance adjustor shows up at the scene, don't give any statements and don't sign anything.

Gather information. If possible, get the names, addresses, and phone numbers of witnesses.

Visit your doctor. If you are concerned about injuries, or feel any pain, it is best to be examined by a doctor at the earliest possible time or to go to the nearest emergency room. When a doctor examines you, make sure that you are specific in explaining to the physician how the accident happened and all injuries and problems you sustained as a result.

Inform your insurance company. Make sure that you call your insurance company immediately to report the Arkansas car accident. Failing to report the accident immediately could in some instances result in the insurance company not covering you for the accident. You should contact the company immediately, and make sure that you ask the company to start paying your bills. This action should open up a file to not only pay the property damage but also all of your medical bills if you are injured.

Before signing any statements, consult an Arkansas auto accident lawyer, such as Easley & Houseal, that focuses on helping those who have been injured in auto accidents. The lawyers at Easley & Houseal have helped thousands of clients. We help our clients get the money they deserve for their injuries.

Contact Easley and Houseal (870) 633-1447