What Should You Do First if You're Injured in a Car Crash With No Witnesses?

Car accidents in Green Bay present unique challenges, especially when they occur on rural roads or during off-peak hours when fewer people are around to witness what happened. According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Brown County sees thousands of traffic accidents annually, with many occurring in areas where witness availability is limited. These situations can complicate insurance claims and legal proceedings significantly.

Experiencing an accident can be overwhelming in any case, and even more so when there are no witnesses. In those cases, knowing what to do can be a game-changer. Speak with a Green Bay lawyer after a car crash to ensure your rights are protected when witness testimony isn't available. This helpful guide covers how to deal with a car crash when nobody is there to confirm the story.

Ensure Safety First

The first order of business, if you get in an accident, is to be safe. Check for injuries and relocate the vehicle if able. Hazard lights could signal to the other drivers that there is an issue. If there are serious injuries or the vehicle cannot be moved, stay inside and wait for help.

Contact Emergency Services

Regardless of whether the accident appears to be a big deal, the first call must always be to emergency services. Dispatch can send medical assistance and an official record of the incident. A police report may help prove your case later on down the line. State clearly what happened and what injuries were sustained.

Gather Evidence

In the absence of witnesses, the need for evidence is increased. Begin with photographing the scene. Take photos of all of the vehicles involved and also of any type of visible injuries, road conditions, and skid marks. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, proper documentation at the scene is crucial for insurance and legal purposes. Identify any surveillance cameras located nearby, as they may have captured the incident, and document where they are located.

Exchange Information

Even without witnesses, talking to the driver is a must. Get their name, contact information, insurance details, and license plate. This information is an important part of your insurance claim, as well as any legal action you may choose to take.

Document Personal Recollections

Take notes of your version of events right after the crash. Memories fade, and a detailed description could be extremely valuable. Write down the time, date, weather, and what you did leading up to the crash and after the crash. This documentation can back up your version of events down the track.

Seek Medical Attention

It's always a good idea to have any potential injuries checked out, even the minor ones. Not all of the injuries from such accidents are obvious. Essential for insurance and legal purposes, a healthcare professional is able to provide a full assessment and record any injuries.

Inform Insurance Provider

Notify your insurance provider promptly. Give them all the information you collected and your account. They will guide you through the claims process. Always be honest and detailed in your report, because if there are differences, it complicates the claim.

Consult Legal Assistance

Legal advice may be advisable in the absence of witnesses. Seeking legal advice from a trusted car accident lawyer can help clarify rights and responsibilities. They can also help obtain further evidence, settle with insurance companies, and even advocate for your case should it progress to court.

Consider Vehicle Repair Options

Once you are done dealing with safety and paperwork, move on to vehicle repair. Get a reliable mechanic to check for the damage. Get estimates from multiple repair shops. While your insurance company has some preferred providers, go with what you think is a safe service.

Reflect and Learn

It can be traumatic to be involved in a crash. Reflecting on the experience can help you process your feelings and understand what happened. Consider anything that you can do to prevent it from happening again, like taking courses on defensive driving in the future or improving safety features on the vehicle.

Stay Informed and Prepared

You can save yourself from accidents later by staying up-to-date on driving safety. Periodically revisit the rules of the road and the safest driving habits. However, having an emergency plan will give you peace of mind. Having an emergency kit inside the vehicle that includes first aid supplies and contact information for emergency services never hurts, either.

Conclusion

You must carry out the next steps properly to make sure that you keep your composure during situations like this that require clarity. But by prioritizing safety, collecting evidence, and getting professional help, people can more safely navigate through these rough waters. Proceed with caution, though, and remember to be prepared and aware of what to expect with emergencies to tackle any surprise you might encounter on the road.