Things You Should Do After A Car Accident
Car accidents are among the leading cause of injury in our country, and most people will experience at least one in their life, whether as a driver, pedestrian, or even a cyclist. But despite being common, car accidents are traumatic experiences.
Even in the best-case scenarios, the days following a car accident can be disorienting, upsetting, and costly. And for those who are seriously hurt in a car crash, those injuries can have devastating and potentially life–altering ramifications.
The aftermath of a car accident can be difficult, but you don’t have to handle this tough situation alone. We’ve prepared this car accident guide to help you in the days after your accident and to get your life back on track.
What To Do After A Car Accident?
A car accident is a whirlwind event that can render even the most prepared drivers shocked and lost. You may find yourself forgetting the most basics steps to take after a car crash in the confusion of it all.
That’s why we’ve prepared a post-accident checklist with six steps to take after a car accident to ensure your health and safety, help you to begin your insurance claim, and prepare you for a car accident lawsuit, should you choose to pursue one.
- Document everything at the scene of the accident.
- Collect information from the other drivers involved in the crash.
- Contact your insurance company.
- Go to the doctor for a medical evaluation.
- Keep track of all repair and medical bills.
- Keep a journal of your injuries.
Common FAQs About Car Accident Lawsuits
Q: What information should I obtain from the other driver immediately following a car accident?
Ans: The immediate aftermath of a car accident can be hectic. It is important to stay calm and remember to collect the information of the other driver involved in the accident, in order to have the strongest claim possible. Drivers should collect the following information at the accident scene:
- Name
- Address
- Phone Number
- Driver’s License Number
- Insurance Company
- Policy Number
- License Plate Number
In some cases the driver with which you were involved in an accident is not the vehicle’s owner. In that case, be sure to find out to whom the vehicle is registered, and clarify the relationship between the driver and owner before you get the name and address for both individuals.
Q: Should I Avoid Discussing My Accident?
Ans: Yes, especially in states with at–fault insurance laws. While car accident victims, feeling fear or rage immediately after an accident, might feel the need to push the blame onto other drivers, an investigation may reveal an entirely different story. Try not to talk about your involvement in the accident or anybody else’s, except with your attorney.
Q: How long do I have to inform my insurance company that I was in a car accident?
Ans: Ideally, you should contact your insurance provider within 24 hours of the accident. Your insurance policy may stipulate that you only have a very specific amount of time to report an accident, but it may also use a vague term such as “within a reasonable time.” It is therefore best not to wait too long to contact your provider.
Q: How can an attorney help me after a car accident?
Ans: In a car crash, the accident is just the beginning of your problems. Navigating an insurance claim alone can be tricky, especially if the fault of the accident is disputed. In addition, insurance companies may try and settle your claim for less than it is actually worth. Hiring an attorney after an accident puts someone in your corner who knows your state’s laws and will focus on your case by gathering evidence, consulting with experts, and negotiating with the insurance company on your behalf, so you can focus on your recovery.