Table of Contents
Knowing what to do after a car accident can help protect victims’ best interests and set them on the right path toward recovery. Car accidents are traumatic experiences that can leave victims feeling shaken and uncertain. It’s crucial to remain calm and focused to ensure the safety of everyone involved. Car accidents can be minor, leading to minimal injuries and damages, or serious, leading to more severe injury and in some cases, death. In either case, a car accident lawyer can help victims secure compensation for their losses in the aftermath of a crash.
Steps to Take After a Car Accident
When you are in a car accident, there are certain steps you need to follow to ensure the safety of everyone involved. Taking these steps will also ensure that you have the information you need when you file an insurance claim.
The steps to take after an accident include:
Ensure the Safety of Everyone Involved in the Accident
The safety of everyone involved should be the first priority after a car accident. Check yourself, the passengers, and the other driver for injuries. If anyone is seriously injured, call for medical assistance immediately. If you are able, and it is safe to do so, move the vehicles out of traffic to prevent further accidents or injuries. Putting up warning triangles or cones and turning on hazards are other steps you can take to ensure safety.
Contact Authorities
Regardless of whether the accident was minor, you should still contact the local law enforcement and report the incident. Police reports can be crucial for insurance claims and legal proceedings. You should stay where you are if you are able to do so after contacting the authorities, so they can ask necessary questions. Avoid discussing blame or admitting fault with anyone, as this could affect the outcome of your case.
Gather Information
Exchange information with the other driver involved in the accident. Information that should be shared includes names, contact details, insurance information, driver’s license numbers, and license plate numbers. If any witnesses are present, collect their contact details as well.
Document the Accident
Write down the details of the accident while they’re still fresh in your memory. Details such as the date, time, road and weather conditions, location, and what happened leading up to the accident are all important to note. You should also take photos of the accident scene if you are able. These details can be helpful when filing an insurance claim, or building your case with the help of a car accident lawyer.
Seek Medical Attention
Sometimes after an accident, you don’t feel your injuries right away. This is why, regardless of how you feel, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some serious injuries may not show symptoms right away, and may take hours or days to show up. Medical attention also provides documentation of your condition that supports your accident claim.
Notify the Insurance Company
Contacting your insurance company is an important step to take after a car accident, and it’s best to do this with the help of your attorney. It’s crucial to be as truthful and accurate as possible with the details surrounding the accident. Provide your insurance company with any necessary documentation requested of you, and make sure to follow the instructions they give you. Some insurance policies have time limits for reporting accidents, so it’s important to communicate with the insurance company as soon as possible.
What Not to Do After a Car Accident
There are things you should do after a car accident, and there are things you should not do. It’s crucial to avoid these mistakes to ensure safety and legal compliance. Some of the biggest mistakes you can make after a car accident include:
- Fleeing the Scene: Fleeing the scene of an accident could result in criminal charges. Remain at the scene of the accident until law enforcement tells you that you can leave.
- Admitting Guilt: You should never make statements admitting guilt after a car accident. These can be used against you when you file a claim later, or if the claim winds up in court.
- Refusing Medical Treatment: You should always seek medical attention after a car accident. Not only does this document any injuries you received, but you may be more injured than you realize.
- Talking to an Insurance Adjuster Unprepared: Insurance adjusters, regardless of whether they’re from your insurance company or the other driver’s, have the company’s best interests in mind. They often give you an offer that is lower than what you should receive for the accident. It’s important to talk to a car accident lawyer before accepting any settlement offers.
Should I Hire a Lawyer After a Car Accident?
Choosing an attorney after a car accident may be the last thing on your mind, however, you may need to hire a lawyer after your car accident to help you negotiate with the insurance company. The insurance company will not have your best interests in mind when presenting you with a settlement offer. A Chicago car accident attorney can negotiate with the insurance company to ensure you receive a fair settlement amount. If a fair settlement amount cannot be agreed upon, he or she will take your case to court to fight for your rights.