What to Do After a Car Crash on the Highway
October 7, 2019 - Car Accidents
Written by Robert E. Cartwright
Being involved in a car accident on the highway can be stressful, but it is necessary to remain calm and attentive. After a car crash, you must take certain steps to make sure that you are safe, that your interests are protected, and that the accident is well-documented. Immediately following a car crash on the highway, you must determine whether or not you were injured. If you are unsure if you have been injured, call 911 and ask for an ambulance and let the paramedics examine you. If you are not too hurt to move, check on all passengers, and if anyone is injured, call 911.
If you have been involved in a car crash on the highway, contact the San Francisco car accident lawyers of The Cartwright Law Firm, Inc. at 415-433-0444
Get to Safety
If your injuries allow and your car is drivable, move your vehicle out of the roadway and into a safe place until the police arrive. If your vehicle is in an unsafe location (in the middle of the highway), leave it where it is and get yourself to safety. While you are waiting for the police, turn off your engine, turn on your
vehicle’s hazard lights, and use road flares in order to warn other drivers of a disabled vehicle.
Exchange Information
After a San Francisco car crash, it is important for all drivers involved to exchange the following information:
- Full name, address, and telephone number
- Insurance company and policy number
- Driver’s license number and license plate number
- Make, model, and color of vehicle(s) involved
- Exact location of the accident (intersection, mile marker, etc.) and time
When exchanging insurance information among all parties, never discuss the facts surrounding the accident (except with police or your San Francisco car accident lawyer), and do not admit fault. This is important, as comments made after an accident are commonly used by the insurance company to justify low settlement offers.
Document the Accident
When the police arrive, obtain the name and badge number of all of the responding officers. Take pictures of all vehicles from different angles, and show the damage to all the cars involved – preferably, before they are moved, but only if it is safe to do so. If there are any witnesses, make sure to write down their names, their addresses, and their telephone numbers, and try to obtain each witness’ account of the accident.
Call a San Francisco Car Accident Lawyer
Today After a car accident, you should contact your insurance company and provide them with all of the information surrounding the car accident, including the information that you collected on all of the parties involved, the location where the accident occurred, and the police report number. Dealing with insurance companies can be overwhelming. If you have been involved in a San Francisco car crash on the highway, contact The Cartwright Law Firm, Inc. today at 415-433-0444 or contact us online for more information.
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