What to Do After a Minor Car Accident?

Be careful to acknowledge that serious injuries can occur as a result of a small accident. It’s important to know what to do after a minor car accident so that you do not miss any essential steps that will contribute to your personal injury case.

Speak with a car accident lawyer in Fairfield to be sure you collect all the evidence needed for a thorough investigation. Your car wreck attorney will investigate the case, prove liability, calculate damages, and represent you in court.

What Are the Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Fairfield, CT?

The most important part of this process is to ensure proper documentation is taken every step of the way.

1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

After a minor accident in Fairfield, it’s important to stay calm after the accident. It is normal to be in shock, but you need to be aware of what you say and how you act.

Immediate actions should include assessing all parties involved for injuries, moving to a safe place, and speaking professionally without admitting to fault.

2. Ensure Safety and Move to a Safe Location

When reviewing accident safety in Fairfield, moving to a safe location is imperative. Cars involved in the accident may cause accidents with other vehicles that turn a corner or hit the same hazard.

If possible, move cars to the side of the road, put on hazard lights, and always stand and wait several feet from the roadway while waiting for police and medical help.

3. Check for Injuries and Call Emergency Services if Needed

If you have a question about when to call 911 in an accident, the answer is always yes. You will never regret getting a medical emergency team out to check on everyone for injuries. Even if you have minimal injuries, a doctor should perform a full medical exam to make sure you do not have injuries that go unnoticed, like internal bleeding or a concussion.

4. Exchange Information with the Other Driver

Be assertive and get the other driver’s details after a minor crash. Information like names, contact information, insurance details, car descriptions, and license plate numbers are part of the case. You can provide your information to the other driver to show your willingness to comply.

Keep in mind that there is a fine line between being cooperative and polite and offering up too much information. When learning what to do after a minor car accident, you should never admit fault. Only offer up facts. Your attorney will take care of the investigation and work to prove liability.

5. Document the Accident Scene

Take photos in a minor car accident. Show the damage to your car and the other vehicle. Take pictures of the surrounding scene and anything that could contribute to the Fairfield car crash, such as poor road conditions, crumbling gravel, and potholes.

Speak to witnesses and collect their information. Get detailed witness accounts to understand a third-party perspective of the minor car accident.

6. File a Police Report

Official documentation is vital to your personal injury case. CT accident reporting rules state that you should call the police after a minor accident in Fairfield. When multiple parties are involved, it’s vital to get an officer on the scene who will record the facts and take action if someone has committed an apparent crime.

Contact the Fairfield police to document the accident correctly.

7. Notify Your Insurance Company

Even if you are not at fault, your insurance company will want to know about your car accident. Talk to your insurance about the accident and the progress of your claim with the other driver’s insurance.

A skilled Fairfield car accident lawyer can help you notify insurance after a Fairfield accident and file a claim with the other driver’s insurance so you can focus on healing.

8. Seek Medical Attention if Symptoms Arise Later

Experiencing a delayed injury in a minor accident is common. Whiplash, headaches, body aches, and bruises show up later, even if you thought everything was fine. Seek medical care in Fairfield to document your injuries and receive a full medical examination. You do not want to miss any conditions that need medical attention.

In addition, documentation of medical visits is necessary for your personal injury claim. The insurance company will ask for proof of injuries.

9. Hire a Car Accident Attorney

Seeking legal advice after a minor accident in Fairfield is not only smart but will also save money in the long run. You will benefit from a professional’s expertise in your case without paying a fee until you get your payout.

Learn More About How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help

The more you know about minor car accidents in Fairfield, the more access you’ll have to maximum compensation. Your car crash lawyer will investigate your case, prove liability, and fight for a fair settlement. You never have to worry about lowball settlement offers when you have a lawyer who knows how to negotiate.

Brill Law Group can offer you the full benefits of hiring a lawyer. We will advocate for your rights after a minor car accident in Fairfield, CT. Call us to set up your free consultation.