Have you recently been in a car accident? If so, you’re not alone. In fact, there are over 6 million car accidents each year in the US. But, even though car accidents are very common, a lot of people still don’t know what to do after they get in a car accident.
If you get in a car accident, it’s very important to know what to do next, as this can have an effect on how much compensation you get. So, what do you need to do?
Check out this guide to learn what you need to do after a car accident.
Stop at the Scene
No matter the size of the accident or who’s at fault, you always need to stop at the scene.
When pulling over, the first thing you should do after checking for injuries is to protect the scene. Set up flares or keep your flashers on, and if it’s dark outside, make sure you bring out a flashlight or turn your phone’s light on.
Also, even if there are no serious injuries, it’s still a good idea to call the police. If you want to file a claim with your insurance company, you’ll typically need a police report. This is the case even if you just plan to claim damage to your vehicle.
Hire a Lawyer
If you’ve been injured during the car accident, it’s very important that you hire a lawyer. A lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve for both your injuries and the damage done to your vehicle.
The other party’s insurance company will do everything they can to not have to give you full compensation after an accident. This is why it’s very important that you have the right lawyer by your side to make sure justice is served and you take the right steps to file a personal injury lawsuit.
Make an Accurate Record
Another very important thing to do after you’ve been in a car accident is to make an accurate record at the scene. This will come in handy later on when you’re filing a claim with your insurance company.
When the police arrive, make sure to give them an accurate description of what happened. If you don’t know certain facts, don’t speculate, just say you don’t know. Anything you speculate about could later be held against you.
Also, if you’re not sure that you’re injured, say you’re not sure, rather than no. Oftentimes, injuries don’t kick in until hours after the accident.
You should also ask officers for a copy of their police report, and you should take pictures of the scene of the accident. If police officers don’t respond to the accident, make sure you exchange information with the other drivers and passengers
Seek Medical Attention
As we mentioned, injuries caused by car accidents are not always apparent immediately. Many car accident victims don’t start to experience pain until a day or two after. So, unless you’re absolutely positive that you weren’t injured, you should seek medical attention.
Even if your accident only involved minor impact, you can still sustain serious or permanent injury. Therefore, it’s best to see a doctor to make sure you’re in the clear.
Report the Accident
After the accident, you should notify your insurance company as soon as possible. Many insurance companies require immediate reporting as well as full cooperation. So, don’t waste any time reporting to your insurance company.
Now that you know what to do after a car accident, you’ll be better prepared should you ever find yourself in this situation. Comment below if you have any questions!
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