Do you know what to do after an auto accident? Are you debating whether or not to call a car accident lawyer? Here are the steps that should be followed after you have been in a collision.
When a vehicle collision occurs,
injuries may be serious and emotions may be extreme. Although you do your best to drive safely, you should know what steps have to be followed if you get into a collision. For instance, if you get injured in an accident, don't hesitate to contact a car accident lawyer. Follow these steps if you get into a car accident.
After an accident occurs, drive your automobile to a safe location. Don't drive away from the scene until it’s appropriate to do so. If you leave the scene, where someone dies or gets hurt, you may end up facing criminal penalties.
Before you assess property damage, make sure no one is injured. If someone is injured, call an ambulance. If someone complains of pain, don’t move him or her until the ambulance arrives on the scene.
If the vehicle collision involves death, physical injury, or significant property damage, you should contact the police. Obtain the name and badge number of the responding police officer. Make sure the officer files a police report.
Speak with the driver of the other automobile involved in the collision. Get the person's name, address, telephone number, license plate number, driver's license number, and insurance information. Try to be cooperative and friendly when you’re exchanging information.
If there are any witnesses to your collision, find out what they saw. Jot down their names and telephone numbers so that your car accident lawyer, or insurance company, or the court can contact them. Ask the witnesses to stay at the scene until the police officers arrive so they can provide their statements.
Call your insurance provider. Tell them that you’ve been in a vehicle collision. Be honest about what occurred. If your insurer finds out that you’re hiding something, you might get into trouble.
Take pictures of any damage to your automobile after the accident. Having pictures will help your claims adjuster determine the amount of your accident claim payout. The photographs may also assist your case in court.
Note any chiropractors, physicians, physical therapists, or other medical professionals that you receive treatment from. Having a dairy of this information will help you keep track of your medical expenses and treatment for your lawyer, insurer, and the court.
Do not talk to anyone about the collision other than your insurer, car accident lawyer, and the police. If representatives from another insurance company contact you, ask them to call your attorney. Get the representative’s name and telephone number. Tell your attorney or insurer that someone needing information about the accident contacted you.
If you were injured in the accident, consult with a car accident lawyer. A professional can help you recover money for your injuries including payment for lost wages, physical and mental pain and suffering, medical expenses, etc. Don’t wait to get compensation, speak with an attorney today!
