What a bummer. You’ve been hit, or worse yet, you hit somebody else, and now you’re involved in a car accident. “Nothing will ruin your day like being involved in a car accident,” says Thomas Bumgardner, attorney with the Bumgardner law office. “It can seem like all common sense and logic flies out the window and nobody knows what to do next.”
What To Do Next – You’ve Had a Car Accident
“We like to side with the safest best practices for being involved in any car accident,” adds Bumgardner. “It helps to have exposure to the safest steps to take should you ever be involved in a car accident.”
- If it’s safe, and you’re not injured, move your out of the way. If you can’t move your car, turn on your hazard lights.
- Stop your vehicle. Safely stop your vehicle, put the car in park and turn off the engine. Then safely exit your car.
- Check on others involved. If somebody has been injured, call 911 to get help.
- Call the police. Get the police to the scene, even if the accident is minor. Cooperate fully with the police but don’t admit any guilt for accuse others. Let the police do their work.
- Write down information. Use your smartphone to take photos of all cars and people involved. Write down the auto tag numbers and car descriptions.
“Always make sure that you have copies of your car insurance and vehicle registrations in your car,” adds Bumgardner. “You will not want to add frustration or negative thoughts to the situation from the police or other drivers. Just be responsible.”
Be wary of early settlement offers from insurance companies or other drivers. “We can provide appropriate legal assistance when it comes time for you to deal with your car accident,” said Bumgardner. “We know the auto accident laws in North Carolina and we can provide information and assistance to help protect you and your rights.”
To learn more about the legal services that we offer for car accident victims, please contact Thomas Bumgardner at (704) 870-4779. We are here to help you.