5 Major Steps To Take After a Car Accident

It’s not easy to keep your composure in the immediate aftermath of a vehicle crash.

So, what measures should you take to ensure the safety of your passengers, yourself, and other motorists on the road?

When faced with the shock and stress of being in an automobile accident, many drivers make decisions that compromise their ability to seek compensation from insurance companies and other drivers. 

If you want to make sure your rights are protected in the event of a vehicle crash, you should know what to do in case of a wreck.

First and Foremost – Ensure Everyone’s Safety

First, ensure everyone’s safety. Hopefully, you regularly buckle up, as this safety measure saves lives and leads to fewer injuries

Here are some recommendations:

• If you are able to, turn on your hazard lights before exiting your car.
• Call 911 immediately if the accident is serious or if anybody is hurt so that an ambulance and police may be dispatched to the location. 
• You should still call the police or 911 to file a report, even if the accident is minor.
• Flares, if you have them, should be placed around the site to warn passing motorists. When in doubt, flash your hazards.
• Don’t leave the scene of the crash until the police tell you to.

Step 2 – Take Stock of the Situation

Assuming that everyone is physically okay, you can next assess the situation and take steps to safeguard yourself and your rights. 

• Snap some photos of the wreckage and damaged automobiles at the scene of the incident.
• Move your car as soon as possible once the photographs have been taken – as long as it is safe.
• Never take responsibility for your actions or apologize. If you go to court later, these confessions can translate into guilt.
• Receive medical attention even if you don’t think you’ve been hurt. Some conditions may appear after the accident.
• Exchange contact and insurance details with the other drivers in the accident. Make sure you get the other motorist’s name, address, phone, email, driver’s license number, and insurance policy number. You should also get the registration number for the other driver’s car and the make and model year.
• Include details on law enforcement personnel at the scene – both badge numbers and names.

Step 3 – Figure Out What Auto Insurance Protection is Available

You should have, at least, minimum legal coverage in insurance. This insurance covers bodily injury and property damage. Therefore, you should have 25/50/25 coverage. This means you should have bodily injury protection of $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 property damage insurance per accident.

Step 4 – Talk to Your Insurance Company and a Personal Injury Attorney

You’ll need to call your insurance company and report the collision. Be brief and stick to the facts you know about the accident. Next, contact a lawyer, as insurance companies are in the business to make money. Therefore, they want to limit the number of claims filed. Your best bet is to file a personal injury claim, especially if the insurer is offering a settlement that is too low.

In fact, speak to a lawyer first to avoid any disputes or confusion.

Step 5 – Know What to Ask Your Attorney

Once you’ve retained a lawyer, ask your lawyer questions, so you know what to expect. 

• Is it possible to win a settlement in this case?
• If so, how much money might I receive?
• Will this case go to trial?
• How long do you think the case will last?
• What are the benefits of drawbacks of filing this claim?

Whether or not you seek a personal injury settlement, you should consult with an attorney so you can go forward with the claims process without problems.

Speak to a Crown Point Car Accident Lawyer About Your Car Accident Case Right Away

Do you have questions about a car accident claim? If so, contact the Law Offices of Shane O’Donnell immediately. Make sure you have a legal advocate on your side to ensure the best results.