Here’s What You Need to Do Immediately After a Car Accident

For many people, being in a car accident is one of the most stressful situations in their lifetime, and rightfully so. These kinds of accidents are not something anyone would wish for, but unfortunately, they happen to many of us. After a car accident, there are many papers to fill out, medical bills to deal with, as well as legal procedures. This is quite a demanding procedure and if you do not do everything right, you might not see the money that the insurance company owes you. To help you in this situation and warn you about all the things you need to do, we have prepared a few tips that will certainly come in handy after a car accident. 

Filling out the car accident form

Since collecting the information at the place of an accident can be crucial for your case, it is smart to have a car accident form. Even if you are an excellent driver and if you feel like an accident cannot happen, it is better to be prepared. You can obtain this form from your local police station or DMV. Make sure to get a specific one for your state, since they can vary. A car accident is already stressful enough, so if you already have something prepared, it will make the whole process easier. 

Immediately go to your doctor

One of the most important things that you have to do if you want to get full compensation from your insurance company is immediately going to your doctor. Right after the accident, your doctor will have the clearest point of view about injuries that you got from that accident. No matter if they are physical or psychological injuries, getting that immediate medical report is crucial. If you wait for too long, your insurance company might not accept the full report, and you might not get the full compensation you deserve. Of course, this can be a report from the emergency room as well. But, it does not hurt to have an extra one. 

If you are having trouble finding the information that you need to provide, or finding a doctor who can give them to you, you can seek help from others. In cases like this, help from a car accident lawyer can be crucial. In any case, do not leave anything to faith. Make sure to do everything you can to get the compensation you rightfully deserve. 

Obtain information about the other party

Depending on the state you live in, the laws on exchanging information with the other driver may differ. Usually, the minimal amount of information you need to exchange is your names and insurance information. Other useful information you could try to get are the other party’s phone number, their address and driver’s license number,  as well as the names and contact information of anyone else who witnessed the accident. Of course, pay attention to the local laws and getting any information that you need with the other person’s consent.

Police report

If you have been in a car accident, the best idea would be to call the police. In fact, in some states, doing so is mandatory. Letting the police know that you have been in a car crash and getting their report is extremely important for all the legal procedures afterward. At the place of the accident, the policemen will be able to evaluate the situation, take pictures, and other types of evidence that are important for your legal case. Of course, they will have the right to ask for an ID of the other party or parties. If you decide not to call the police, you will not have the right to do so yourself. 

To make the whole legal process more efficient, try to obtain the name of the investigating officer as well as their badge number and the report number. This way, when your report is ready, you will be able to obtain a copy right away.

Contact the insurance company

A very important thing to do after a car accident is to let your insurance company know you have been in one. Even if it is not your fault, it is important to provide them with this information in case the other driver, or drivers are uninsured. If you fail to do so properly, the probability is high that you won’t get compensated. The insurance company is going to be the one who can provide your lawyer with useful information they might need. 

Since the other driver needs to contact their insurance company as well, they should contact you after a few days too. If they do not, make sure to call them and let them know that one of their clients has been in an accident. But, keep the information you give them to a minimum. In any case, do not give a recorded statement, since the insurance company can use it against you later on. Of course, if you hire an attorney, make sure to consult with them before doing anything like this.

Get a lawyer

We know how expensive it can be to solve all the issues that occur during a car accident. This is why many people are reluctant to get a lawyer, they believe it is just an extra expense. But, the truth is, in the long run, getting a lawyer will save you a lot of money. Unfortunately, many people have learned this the hard way. They decided to fight the case on their own and did not get the compensation they deserved.

Of course, your lawyer will need records about any medical examinations, treatments, as well as any medication you are receiving. In any case, they will certainly inform you about all of this. They will know about all the documents and information that you need to provide, as well as the deadlines you can not miss. All of this can help you get the compensation you are entitled to. 

Sadly, car accidents are something that happens every day. If you happen to be in one, remember all the things we have talked about. Try to take a breath and access all the issues with a clear head. And of course, to get the maximum compensation and reduce the stress levels on the way, consider hiring a car accident lawyer. They will certainly reduce your expenses and make your life easier.