If you have been involved in a car accident, there are a few important things to do. They will help you minimize the financial and health implications of your accident. Keep reading to learn more.
1. Stop
You are legally obligated to stop after an accident. You need to stop even when you don’t think there has been significant damage. Do not admit fault for the accident even when you think that you may be responsible. Auto insurance contracts state that you should never assume liability or responsibility.
2. Ensure Everyone Is Fine
Check to ensure that everyone involved in the accident is okay. It is possible to be injured even after the slightest accident. Both passengers and drivers are advised to check for injuries after an accident. If anyone is injured, administer the appropriate first aid and contact the paramedics.
3. Contact the Police
When you are sure that everyone is okay, contact the police. You need to call them even when no one is injured. Having a police report will help you during the compensation process. It helps keep all the involved parties honest and protects you against false claims by the other party. The police may also help you remove the damaged vehicles from the road.
4. Gather the Relevant Information
Get as much information about the accident as you can. Some of the most important details to gather include the names, contact information, and address of all involved in the accident, the license plate number of the other car, and a general description of the car.
Take photos and videos of the cars involved in the accident and take witness accounts. You may need them when seeking compensation.
Some of the most important information to have included:
- What happened
- How it happened
- The driver’s information
- The time and date of the accident
- The direction you and the other driver were traveling in
- The road you were on at the time of the accident and its address
- The badge number, name, and contact details of a police officer who was at the scene of the accident
5. Exchange Insurance Details
Exchanging your insurance information after an accident is crucial. You will need the other party’s insurance details when contacting your insurance company. Your insurance company may also need the other car’s license plate number, make and model, and color. They also need details of where the accident happened and the driver’s name.
6. Contact Your Insurance Provider
Reach out to your insurance company and inform them that you have been in an accident. Calling them from the scene is a lot better than waiting. A police officer may be able to provide more accurate and detailed information than you. They are calm and may have a better perspective. Your insurance agent will guide you through the steps of filing your claim after an accident. If they have an app, you can start the claims process immediately. The more information you have, the more likely you are to get compensation.
7. Contact an Attorney
After reporting the accident to your insurance provider, you need to reach out to an attorney. Get legal help even if you think that the accident was minor. According to the team at https://www.herrmanandherrman.com/, you need an attorney even if the insurance company seems willing to pay. Insurance companies are always trying to pay the lowest amount possible, and being protected is always a good idea. An attorney will help represent your best interests. They will ensure that you get the maximum compensation. The following are some of the most important things to look for in an attorney:
- Their credentials
- A friendly personality
- A reputation for success
- Free consultation
Consider asking the following questions to determine the best lawyer for you:
- What do you think about my case?
- Do you think I need to go to trial?
- How likely are you to get a settlement?
- Do you think mediation is appropriate?
- How long do you think the process will take?
Get a lawyer even when you do not need compensation. You may not know when the other party is trying to pursue compensation. Retain an attorney early to ensure that they have enough time to start working on your case.
After a car accident, you may be angry, scared, and confused hence making it difficult to think clearly. However, you need to protect yourself and others involved in the accident. Making mistakes can limit your right to compensation from insurance providers. Remember that an accident has long-term effects, and your actions in the first few minutes may determine them.
