Car accidents are serious events. It is important to remember that even if you were involved in a low-speed collision, there is a high possibility that you and your loved ones may have suffered injuries. The actions you take immediately after being involved in an accident can significantly impact your quality of life. As such, it's smart to contact a personal injury lawyer after an accident. In this article, we'll cover some steps you should take, but if you have any questions, feel free to reach out.

Check-in on Everyone

Right after an accident, check your body to see if you're bleeding or have sustained serious injuries. Keep in mind that you may be in shock, so you might not feel pain right away even if you suffered an injury. After you've checked yourself over, check on the other occupants in the car.

If the vehicle is on fire or there is another immediate risk, you may need to abandon the car quickly. Be careful when moving anyone, and remember that roadways can be dangerous. According to NHTSA, an estimated 19,515 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2023. It's imperative that you exercise precautions even in an emergency.

Contact the Authorities

Once it's safe to do so, contact the authorities ASAP. If someone has been hurt, contact emergency response services right away. Time is of the essence and, in some cases, could be the difference between life and death.

Start Gathering Evidence

It's a good idea to use your smartphone to record the scene of the accident. You should also check to see if there are any potential surveillance cameras nearby. For example, a local business may have caught the accident on their security cameras.

Contact a Lawyer

It's smart to have a personal injury lawyer on speed dial for situations like this. If you have an attorney, you'll want to contact him or her right away. They can provide advice. Your lawyer may also advise you to see a doctor so that any injuries can be documented. You'll want these injuries to be documented right away to build a solid case should you decide to go to court.

Have you or a loved one recently been in a car accident? In need of a personal injury lawyer? If so, feel free to get in touch with our team of professionals at Michael H. Cummings II, LLC Attorney at Law.