{"id":9053,"date":"2020-12-18T06:52:27","date_gmt":"2020-12-18T06:52:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/?p=9053"},"modified":"2022-01-06T17:53:07","modified_gmt":"2022-01-06T17:53:07","slug":"what-to-do-after-car-accident","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/what-to-do-after-car-accident\/","title":{"rendered":"Checklist: What To Do After A Car Accident"},"content":{"rendered":"<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No matter how careful we are, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/practice-areas\/car-accidents\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">car accidents<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can still occur because traffic is unpredictable.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">During the winter months, car accidents are particularly unpleasant due to slick roads and unfavourable weather conditions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Roadside assistance can get bogged down in poor weather, which makes being responsible on the road vital. Staying informed and prepared can help prevent accidents.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But if the unthinkable does occur, knowing what to do after a vehicle collision will help you avoid unnecessary costs and damages. If you or your loved ones are seriously injured, you may want to contact a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/personal-injury\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">personal injury lawyer<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 dir=\"ltr\"><b>Why It\u2019s Important to Keep a Checklist of What To Do After A Car Accident<\/b><\/h2>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s important to have an accident protocol for several reasons:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To provide guidance for how to protect you and your passengers\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To remind you of the pitfalls to avoid and mitigate after a wreck occurs<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To guide you on how to assist injured, trapped, or unstable passengers<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To remind you to call for help and record important information\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keeping an actionable list like this one can help protect you and your loved ones just in case you find yourself in an accident. Knowing exactly what to do is the first step in remaining calm and confident during a crisis.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 dir=\"ltr\"><b>Keep Calm Immediately After the Car Accident<\/b><\/h2>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To avoid further damage after an accident, it\u2019s paramount that you remain calm. Take a minute to breathe. Do a personal safety check and then assess your passengers for injuries.<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You should reassure any upset children and direct them to remain calm. This will limit distraction and allow you to deal with the situation efficiently. Keeping a calm repose will allow you to collect the necessary details of the accident for your records.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 dir=\"ltr\"><b>Survey The Situation<\/b><\/h2>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After calming your passengers, turn off your engine, and engage the emergency brake if you are on an incline. Determine as best you can if the car is heavily damaged or if there are any potential hazards in the immediate environment.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You\u2019ll want to confirm that there isn\u2019t a fuel leak or broken glass that could harm you or your passengers. Leaking gasoline could present a fire hazard, and you should vacate the vehicle if you detect it.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 dir=\"ltr\"><b>When To Get Out of The Car<\/b><\/h2>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check if the immediate surroundings are safe and vacate the vehicle if necessary due to damage incurred.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If there are dangerous scraps or fires nearby, you may determine that remaining in the car is safer. Assess the situation as best as you can.<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you are in a remote location and feel isolated and unsafe, you should set off any flares if you have them. Otherwise, contact the local police or an ambulance if you require assistance.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You may also want to remain in the car until local authorities arrive if you deem it unsafe to exit your vehicle.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 dir=\"ltr\"><b>Calling For Help<\/b><\/h2>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You should call an ambulance if there are serious injuries or if you suspect that <a href=\"https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/how-a-personal-injury-lawyer-can-help-you\/\">someone is seriously injured<\/a>. The police may already be on their way, but you may also call to make sure they\u2019ll be present at the scene of the accident. Be sure to inform them of your exact location and brief them on the situation. Having local authorities at the scene will be crucial if the other driver becomes aggressive. If you\u2019re unable to contact the police, ask a fellow citizen for help.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 dir=\"ltr\"><b>Exchange Information With The Other Driver If You Collided With Another Car<\/b><\/h2>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You should exchange the following information with the other driver:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Name<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Registration<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">License number<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Insurance information<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s also important to ask the other driver if they own the car. If it\u2019s company property, you may have to contact and deal with the company that owns the vehicle.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 dir=\"ltr\"><b>Gather Information About the Car Accident<\/b><\/h2>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In all motor vehicle accidents, it\u2019s vital that you gather as much information as possible. Having an accurate set of details regarding the situation will aid you at later court dates and when contracting a lawyer.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Take photos of your car and the scene. Get pictures of the other vehicle. Try your best to relate the sequence of events that led to the crash and clearly demonstrate where the cars collided.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You may want to draw a map or diagram of the scene as additional documentation. Note the date and time, all license plate numbers, witnesses involved, and the location of the accident. Finally, request the witnesses\u2019 contact information.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 dir=\"ltr\"><b>Inform Your Insurance Company<\/b><\/h2>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You should call your<a href=\"https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/when-does-the-car-insurance-company-deny-a-claim\/\"> insurance company<\/a> and describe the situation to them. After the briefing, request an estimate of coverage for your situation. Make sure to ask for a direct contact number to a representative should further communication prove necessary.<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You may want to give them the insurance company of the other driver, too. This will make it easier for all parties to cooperate and confirm the details of your coverage.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4 dir=\"ltr\"><b>Safety is the number one priority when dealing with a car accident. After assuring everyone\u2019s safety, call a personal injury lawyer from Diamond &amp; Diamond to help you file your car accident claim.<\/b><\/h4>\n<h2 dir=\"ltr\"><b>Talk to a Personal Injury Lawyer from Diamond &amp; Diamond<\/b><\/h2>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The attorneys at <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/location\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diamond &amp; Diamond<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> have decades of experience in personal injury claims. You can visit any of our locations across Canada.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re in need of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/practice-areas\/car-accidents\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">accident<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> assistance, contact Diamond &amp; Diamond via telephone (1-800-567-HURT), or fill out an online contact form to receive a free consultation offer via text.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before your consult, prepare all related documents pertaining to your case, such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A copy of the <a href=\"https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/driving-drowsy-can-cause-police-reported-crashes-you-may-want-to-read-this\/\">police report<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Medical records of related injuries\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Insurance claims and coverage policy<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your personal insurance information and that of the other driver<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Any maps, diagrams, or photos detailing the accident\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 dir=\"ltr\"><b>PRO TIP:<\/b><\/h3>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cNever leave the scene of a car accident unless you require immediate medical attention.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 dir=\"ltr\"><b>FAQs on Checklist: What To Do After a Car Accident<\/b><\/h2>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Should I get the name of the police officer who responded at the scene of the car accident?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It may help to record the name of the officer present at the scene if you should need additional testimony later. They will be responsible for testifying at your court date, and the case may not be decided in your favour if the officer does not present themselves.<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>How long after the car accident can I wait before contacting my insurance company?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s best to contact your insurance company directly afterward. If you have to wait a couple of hours due to injuries, ask a trusted friend or family member to contact your insurance company for you.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>What should I do if, after the car accident, the other driver picks a fight with me?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do not retaliate, but defend yourself if necessary. Don\u2019t aggravate or irritate the other driver regardless of the comments they make. Record any physical threats made and present them at a later court date.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>No matter how careful we are, car accidents can still occur because traffic is unpredictable.\u00a0 During the winter months, car accidents are particularly unpleasant due to slick roads and unfavourable weather conditions.\u00a0 Roadside assistance can get bogged down in poor weather, which makes being responsible on the road vital. Staying informed and prepared can help&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":11960,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[812],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-9053","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-legal-needs","entry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9053","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9053"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9053\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11960"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9053"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9053"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9053"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}