Whether you are involved in an accident at work, on the roads or anywhere else for that matter, there are a few things you should do in order to ensure that the next steps progress smoothly and that you get the outcome you deserve.
Of course there are also plenty of common mistakes and pitfalls to avoid, so here is a brief examination of the action you should take in the aftermath of an accident.
Image Source: Pixabay
Note down relevant information for future reference
If possible, it is sensible to record information about the accident and the events leading up to it as soon as you have the opportunity to do so.
This is particularly useful in the case of auto accidents, but also applies in other contexts as well. Noting things like the time and date of the incident, as well as the details of what occurred, the names of those involved and information pertaining to any property damage and injuries will give you evidence to support any insurance claim you make or legal action you are involved with further down the line.
Get legal advice
Whether the accident is minor or major in its fallout, choosing to hire a professional lawyer when you’re involved in a car accident at the earliest moment is always a good idea.
Legal experts will be able to furnish you with the advice and guidance that is relevant to your unique circumstances, and also give you counsel as to how to proceed.
Of course you can recruit a lawyer to fight your corner later on if you wish, but having the help of a pro sooner rather than later will let you sidestep some of the more common post-accident snafus that could otherwise hurt your chances of receiving compensation or seeing that justice is done to any parties who are in the wrong.
Avoid apologizing
If you consider yourself to be a polite individual, then you might be compelled to say sorry in the wake of an accident, even if the fault does not lie at your feet.
The problem with this is that doing so can weaken your defense later on, as it could be seen as an admission of your own guilt, and might let another individual or organization off the hook, or at least make it tougher for your lawyer to swing things in your favor.
So if you can, do not apologize, and do not attempt to agree to any kind of settlement straight away; leave this until after the dust has settled both figuratively and literally.
Keep a level head
Just as you should not apologize after an accident you are involved in, it is equally important to avoid blowing your lid, raising your voice or placing the blame at anyone else’s door.
Staying calm and composed will stand you in good stead and be an advantage when events are being picked over by third parties, as and when this becomes necessary.
Get to safety
Depending on the nature of the accident and the location in which it occurs, you should also be aware of any further dangers which may be present, and do your best to take you out of harm’s way rather than lingering unnecessarily.
For auto accidents or workplace accidents in potentially hazardous environments, physically removing yourself from the proximity of any volatile substances or heavy machinery will obviously be important.
Likewise if you feel threatened by anyone else involved, do not get confrontational and do not rise to provocation. Move away from danger, contact the authorities and get legal counsel to preserve yourself.