What to Do After You've Been in a Car Accident - Critical Steps to Take

While no-one wants to think about being in a car accident and what they would do if it happened, statistics show that it is really only a matter of time before it happens. According to car insurance companies, the typical driver files a collision claim once every 17.9 years. Obviously, that’s just the average, which means you could be filling claims more often than that. So rather than fooling yourself and saying it will never happen to you, it’s wise to be realistic and ask yourself what you would do if you were in a car accident.

Here we will take a look at the steps that should be taken after you’ve been in a car accident that will protect your health and wellbeing, as well as protect you financially.

Contact Emergency Responders and Stay on the Scene

In the immediate moments following a car accident, it's important to contact emergency responders and stay on the scene. When the emergency responders arrive, depending on your injuries, they may take you away for medical attention. As for contacting the police or highway patrol, it's always advisable to do so even if the accident is minor and no injuries have been sustained.

When a highway patrol officer arrives, their job will be to interview witnesses, speak to all involved in the accident, and write an official report. This official report may be needed later on by your insurance company and lawyer, so make sure you get a copy.

Make Sure You Exchange Information

If you aren’t badly injured and you and the other driver are able to move about, it’s also important to exchange information. You need to get the other driver's name, address, phone number, vehicle registration number, and license details.

You can also write notes of your own regarding the accident and the events leading up to it, and snap photos with your mobile device.

Contact Your Car Insurance Company

You will also need to contact your car insurance company so they can make a report. This needs to be done as soon as possible after the accident. If you have sustained injuries and are in the hospital, your lawyer can report it on your behalf.

Contact a Lawyer

This brings us to another important step in the process that can protect you, and that is to contact a car accident lawyer. A car accident lawyer can help you fight for compensation that will cover lost wages, pain and suffering, and medical expenses. They are aware of how the process works, how to deal with insurance companies and other lawyers, and they know what steps will be necessary to get what you deserve and need.

Your lawyer is who will protect your best interests and can look after all the paperwork and details, allowing you to focus on recovering.

Know How to React

No-one likes to think about emergencies and accidents but, unfortunately, they are a fact of life. Knowing how to react when they do occur will save you a lot of trouble and grief down the road.


by Derek Crowden via Everyone's ADM Blog Posts - Automotive Digital Marketing

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