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Winter Accident Checklist: 4 Steps to Follow After a Crash

auto accidentNow that the weather is turning nasty in many parts of the country, drivers need to be more diligent about practicing safe skills behind the wheel. An estimated 32,675 people died in motor vehicle accidents in 2014, so it’s important to do everything possible to avoid them. Unfortunately, not all accidents can be prevented — especially in bad weather. If you get into a car accident this winter, it’s important to use proper safety precautions after a crash. Here are four steps to follow after a winter car wreck:

  1. Move to safety
    Whether it’s rainy or sunny, freezing or burning, this should be your top priority after any accident. Immediately following an auto accident, you need to move to safety. That can be tricky during a storm or in the bitter cold. If you can move your car, make sure it doesn’t go into the path of other vehicles. If you can’t move it, take shelter where you can.
  2. Call 911
    The next step after a car crash is to call 911 if you believe the situation calls for it. Depending on the severity of the accident, you may need to get medical attention and file a police report. Serious injuries can be made worse by harsh winter conditions. When talking to other drivers and the police, be very careful not to admit blame and never exaggerate or downplay your own injuries; simply state the facts.
  3. Document evidence
    Take photos or video of your injuries, your car, and the scene after your auto accident. These can come in handy later on if you need to file a personal injury case. Be sure to photograph any hazardous road conditions, covered or damaged signs, or ice that may have contributed to the accident.
  4. Contact
    After getting contact information from witnesses, you’ll want to contact your insurance company to report the incident. You should not speak to the other driver’s insurance company. Finally, you may need to contact a qualified car wreck lawyer. Auto accidents can be confusing and complex, so you’ll want to have an experienced attorney on your side. This is especially important if you suffered injuries during the wreck or an insurance company is holding out on you.

If you’re in a car accident this winter, make sure you know the proper steps to take. And if you need a car accident lawyer in Hazard, KY, call us today. Our team can help guide you through the process and answer any questions you might have.

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