Steps to Take After a Car Accident

Be Mindful of These 10 Important Steps to Take Following a Serious Car Accident:

There are a series of steps associated with the legal process following a car accident. To equip injured victims with legal insight and information that will be significant to know for the benefit in recovering compensation due to them, here is a comprehensive overview of what to expect following a serious car accident.

1. CALL 911

Immediately contact the police and report the car crash. An officer will create a police report, which is a detailed summary containing facts about the accident. It is also valuable evidence used to establish fault.

2. GATHER EVIDENCE

Obtain as much evidence as possible at the accident scene, including photos and videos of the damage to the vehicles, street signs, road conditions, and visible injuries. Then, exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver and any other involved parties. If witnesses are present, collect their contact information, as well.

3. DO NOT ADMIT FAULT

When discussing the car accident, whether it’s reporting the facts to a police officer or exchanging information with the other driver, never admit fault. A simple apology can even be interpreted as an admission of guilt. Therefore, do not overshare what is assumed to have happened. Only once the accident has been investigated can fault be determined.

4. SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION

Following the accident, even if injuries do not appear serious, always seek immediate medical attention. Severe injuries may not be apparent, and only a qualified physician can accurately identify the level of injury. Additionally, medical treatment is documented, indicating when injuries were sustained and correlates them to the accident.

5. DO NOT NEGLECT MEDICAL TREATMENT

It is essential to follow the doctor’s medical plan and attend all follow-up appointments to prevent injuries from progressing. Otherwise, when ongoing treatment is neglected, the other party’s legal defense and insurance can accuse victims of not being badly injured.

6. RETAIN RECORDS OF EVERYTHING

Keep records of all expenses related to the car accident, including medical bills, car repair bills, lost wages, and other economic damages. This information is important in determining the amount of compensation victims are entitled to.

7. DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING

Avoid signing anything related to the crash without consulting with an experienced car accident lawyer, first. Insurance companies try to persuade victims into signing their rights away through deceitful tactics and complicated contracts. This is why it’s important to have a reliable legal team who can confirm when a fair settlement is offered.

8. DO NOT DISCUSS THE ACCIDENT ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Avoid discussing the accident or suffered injuries on social media, as this information could be detrimental to a personal injury claim. It’s also important to be cautious when accepting new friend requests from non-acquaintances, as the other party’s insurance companies may try to access personal information through social media that could discredit a victim’s claim.

9. CONSULT WITH A CAR ACCIDENT LAWYER

Contact a car accident attorney immediately following the incident. Lawyers help victims navigate the legal process, investigate the crash, and negotiate a fair settlement with the other party. Insurance companies often try to pressure accident victims into settling quickly and for a lower amount than they are entitled to. It’s important to consult with a lawyer to fully understand what legal options are available before accepting any offers.

10. PURCHASE ADEQUATE INSURANCE COVERAGE

A precautionary measure to take before an accident occurs is to be equipped with the proper car insurance. This includes liability coverage, which pays for damages the driver causes to others, and personal injury protection (PIP) or medical payments coverage, which pays for the driver’s own medical expenses.

These steps can protect the legal rights of victims and increase the chances of recovering maximum compensation for their injuries and other damages that resulted from the accident.