Car accidents are very common and can happen to anyone. The process after a car accident can be complicated and confusing for some if you do not know what steps to take.
When you are injured in a car accident, there is a certain process to go through to protect yourself and your legal rights:
- Stop your vehicle. You should never flee the scene of an accident, even if it is minor.
- Make sure everyone is safe. Safety should be your priority after an accident. First, determine if anyone involved is injured and check yourself for any injuries.
- Protect the scene of the accident. To prevent any other accident from happening, put your hazards on to notify other drivers that you are stopped and have been in an accident. If your hazards do not work, see if there is a flashlight available.
- Call the police. Even if the accident is minor, calling the police is always a good idea. They provide more protection to the scene and can file a police report to help your insurance claim.
- Record important information. It is critical to get all the information you need after an accident. Make sure you are taking pictures of the damages, their vehicle, license plate, and insurance information. If there are witnesses, it is a good idea to get their statements and record them so that you can contact them in the future.
- Contact your insurance. It is important to notify your insurance company as soon as possible and understand what you are entitled to under your policy and state law. Keep in contact with your provider to make sure you have all the documents you need and to keep track of the timeline of your claim.
- Seek medical attention. In some cases, injuries from a car accident can appear over time. Unless you are 100% positive you were not injured, you should always seek medical help. While this is important for your safety, it is also important for your claim as well.
- Contact an attorney. One of the most important steps after an accident is finding legal representation. An attorney will be able to protect your rights and collect all valuable evidence to create a strong foundation for a personal injury claim. They will advise you on how to get the compensation you deserve.
While all car accidents range in severity, it is important to follow these steps as best as possible. This will allow you to get the help you need and prevent the process from becoming more complicated.
If you or someone you know has been injured in an accident, the Accident Injury Legal Center can get you in contact with an experienced attorney that will fight for your case.
Call the Accident Injury Legal Center at 1-866-255-4870 to receive a free case evaluation.
Resource
Chandler, D. (2021, June 4). What To Do After A Car Accident. Forbes Advisor. Retrieved June 23, 2022, from https://www.forbes.com/advisor/car-insurance/what-to-do-after-accident/