IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE CRASH
Moments right after a car, truck or or motorcycle accident are more often than not, understandably, highly emotional and often confusing. But no matter the severity or circumstances surrounding the collision and its aftermath someone not seriously injured in the crash must begin dealing with the critical matters at hand.
Safety always comes first and when lives, health, and well-being are at stake. If you are a driver in the accident here five basic things to do "immediately after the crash."
1) Turn off the engine and turn on your hazard lights - do not move your vehicle unless it is blocking or obstructing traffic and can be moved safely. If you have to move your vehicle do it on the safer side of the road but nearest the accident crash scene as possible.
2) Help or get help if anyone is injured. Dial 911 and report if anyone, including yourself, is injured or if there is a fire, fuel leak, or auto parts on the road that may pose harm to oncoming traffic. If there are no serious injuries or cause for emergency assistance call the police to report the accident. California state law requires its drivers to report all roadway accidents unless damages are obviously less than $750.
3) Turn your hazard lights on ... if you have cones, warning sign triangles, or flares use them.
4) Get away from the accident scene and roadway area and stay clear of traffic. Every year many pedestrian deaths and injuries occur near the accident scene following an auto accident.
5) Use-Check your emergency kit. Your emergency kit should include medical supplies, tape, bandages ... all the basics plus your medical alert card. It should also include a pen a paper for notes, and a disposable camera (with good batteries!).
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
If someone has just been hurt in a car accident the time to act is now, not tomorrow, not later ... right now! The singular point of this article is this: Do everything possible now to make sure serious medical needs are dealt with immediately and completely.
6) Cooperate fully with law enforcement officers, but don't speak with your insurance company or insurance agent and/or lawyer before accepting any blame.