A car accident can vary widely in severity, ranging from a minor inconvenience that disrupts someone’s day to a significant collision causing life-altering injuries for multiple individuals. If you’ve been in a car accident, there are specific steps you should take immediately after the collision to maximize your chances of receiving full compensation for any of your injuries. Here’s a comprehensive list of actions to take following a car accident, essential for guiding you before reaching out to an injury attorney. A car accident can affect you emotionally, physically and mentally.
Check your injuries First
If you’re injured, call 911 or ask someone nearby to do so. If your injuries are severe, avoid moving and wait for emergency help. If you can move safely, check on other passengers in your car. If anyone is injured, call for help or ask a bystander to do so. Move to the side of the road or a sidewalk if possible. If your car is drivable and not causing a hazard, move it to the side. Otherwise, leave it where it is and ensure your own safety. Remember, never attempt to move someone who has been injured in a car accident unless their position puts them in immediate danger of further injury.
Call the police to report the accident
If you haven’t already contacted 911, now is the time to reach out to the local sheriff or police department, preferably via cellphone to avoid leaving the scene. Even if there are no apparent injuries or damages, it’s important to involve the police. They’ll create an official report of the accident, conducting investigations, interviews, and scene examinations to determine fault. This report serves as crucial evidence for insurance claims and legal proceedings. Make sure to obtain a copy for your records, as it can greatly support your case. If the police can’t come to the scene, you can visit the nearest station to file a report.
Collecting the Right Information
After ensuring everyone’s safety, it’s important to gather information from all parties involved in the accident. Exchange contact and insurance details with the other driver. Use your cellphone to quickly capture photos of driver’s licenses and insurance cards for reference. Here’s the key information to exchange:
- Full name, addresses and contact information
- Insurance company and policy number
- Driver’s license and license plate number
- Type, color, make and model of vehicle
- Location of the accident
Additionally, obtain names and contact information from any witnesses present at the scene. Often, witnesses may leave before law enforcement arrives, so obtaining their details can be crucial for determining fault. This helps prevent a situation where it’s solely your word against the other driver’s.
Inform your insurance Company
Once you have a police report with a reference number, promptly contact your insurance carrier using the phone number on your insurance card or by finding their contact information online. Report the accident, sticking to the facts without projecting or speculating. Your insurer may request evidence or information you’ve collected.
Avoid communicating with the other driver’s insurance company. Politely decline their calls if they contact you. The exception is if the other driver caused the accident, in which case you should discuss only property damage, such as scheduling a vehicle inspection and obtaining repair estimates. Do not discuss your injuries with them; simply state that you want to focus on getting your car or truck fixed at that time.
Finding Fault for a Car Accident
Avoid apologizing for the accident or admitting fault. Anything said at the scene could be used against you later. When discussing the facts with the other driver, steer clear of fault discussions. The insurance adjuster will determine fault based on vehicle inspections, information from all parties, and supporting documents like the police report or scene photographs. Avoid sharing any details of your car accident on social media or online. What you post can be used against you. Even if you think your account is private, posts might still be visible to others. Don’t take any chances. Stay safe and keep your accident details offline.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Car Accident?
One of the most common mistakes car accident victims make is rushing into a settlement with an insurance company and not getting all the car accidents rights they deserve. Many want to quickly move past the ordeal and may accept the first offer presented to them. However, once you sign that agreement, you forfeit any future claims for compensation and any and all means to recover lost wages after a car accident. For instance, if you require back surgery months after settling, you won’t be able to claim those expenses.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for various damages, including medical bills, lost income, rehabilitation costs, permanent injuries, disabilities, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. The experienced car accident lawyers at Greg Prosmushkin Law Firm will advocate for you every step of the way and help in fighting the insurance company after a car accident. They will also guide you through the process if the car accident claim exceeds insurance limits. We thoroughly assess all aspects of your case to help you obtain the maximum compensation for your losses. Contact us for a free consultation and case evaluation. Call a car accident lawyer to get your questions answered.