As a passenger in a car, you are enjoying the drive and the scenery or are probably lost in your thoughts. Suddenly, you encounter a car accident, when it seemed to be the least expected.
If you happen to be involved in such an incident, you are left as perplexed as the drivers involved in the accident, no matter who is at fault. It is crucial to be aware of what to do in such situations. Here are a few tips to help you learn more.
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Examine for injuries
Try to remain calm while your driver moves you to a safe place. Check yourself for injuries, and do not make swift movements in such a case. Be gentle with yourself and your injuries. Also, examine the health of your driver, other passengers, if any, and the other people involved in the accident. Do not overlook your injuries, and call for medical help immediately.
Contact the police
Call the police to report the accident, alerting other emergency responders. If you are badly injured, encourage your driver or anyone around to call the police and report the accident. This also adds a part of the documentation required for filing claims from the liable driver.
Exchange contact information
Collect the vital contact information of everyone involved in the accident, including those of neutral witnesses, if any. This will help you to make your claims later on. Keep in mind to exchange nothing more than the necessary contact information.
Gather evidence
Collect as much evidence as possible if you are not injured badly and in a state to move. Capture photos and videos of the accident spot, and note down the time, speed, weather, car model, other essential vehicle details, surrounding details, etc. It will be of great help to prove the at-fault driver’s liability and decide on whom to claim your compensation from.
Consult a car accident lawyer.
Knowing more about passenger rights and how to proceed legally in such accidents is essential. Do not hesitate to consider your driver’s liability, if any, and approach a qualified car accident lawyer to get them working on your case as soon as possible.
File an insurance claim.
Being a passenger in a car accident would have left you with injuries to heal and damages to recover. Do not wait to file an insurance claim from the at-fault driver in such a case. Your medical expenses and property damages, if any, must be compensated, even if your driver is to be held liable for it.
Medical follow up
Once you have approached a doctor to check and treat your injuries, stick to the instructions given by the doctor. Speak to the doctor about the effects appearing in the later stages and get them checked. If regular doctor visits are suggested, do not miss out on them.