What Should You Do After An Accident
An auto accident can be a traumatic and stressful experience, especially if you are injured or if the accident caused significant damage to your vehicle. It’s important to know what to do after an accident to protect yourself and your rights, and to make the process of resolving any insurance claims or legal issues as smooth as possible. Here are some steps to take after an auto accident:
Check for injuries
The first and most important thing to do after an accident is to make sure that you and anyone else involved in the accident are not injured. If you are injured, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even if you don’t think you are injured, it’s a good idea to get checked out by a doctor, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent. If anyone is seriously injured, call 911 or your local emergency number for assistance.
Call the police
If anyone is injured or if the accident caused significant damage to your vehicle or other property, you should call the police. The police will create a report of the accident, which can be helpful in resolving insurance claims or any legal issues that may arise. The police report will also include important information about the accident, such as the location, time, and details of what happened.
Exchange information
It’s important to get the contact and insurance information from the other driver(s) involved in the accident. You should also get the names and contact information of any witnesses to the accident. You will need this information to file an insurance claim or to pursue any legal action if necessary.
Document the accident
Take pictures of the accident scene and any damage to your vehicle. Make sure to get photos of any skid marks, debris, and other physical evidence. This can be helpful in establishing what happened and who is at fault. You should also write down the details of the accident, including the location, time, and any other relevant information.
Notify your insurance company
You should notify your insurance company as soon as possible after the accident. The insurance company will need to know the details of the accident and will help you through the process of resolving any insurance claims. Be sure to have your policy number and any other relevant information ready when you call.
Get estimates for repairs
If your vehicle was damaged in the accident, you will need to get estimates for the cost of repairs. Your insurance company may have a preferred repair shop, but you are not required to use that shop. You can get estimates from multiple shops to compare prices and quality of work. You should also keep receipts for any expenses related to the accident, such as towing or rental car fees.
Keep track of expenses
If you are injured in the accident, you may incur medical expenses, lost wages, and other expenses related to the accident. Keep track of all these expenses, as you may be able to recover some of these costs through an insurance claim or legal action. This may include things like medical bills, prescription costs, and any other expenses related to your injuries.
Consult with an attorney
If the accident was serious, or if there is disagreement about who was at fault, you may want to consult with an attorney. An attorney can help you navigate the legal process and protect your rights. An attorney can also advise you on whether you have a valid claim and help you negotiate a settlement with the other driver’s insurance company.
By following these steps, you can protect yourself and your rights after an auto accident, and make the process of resolving any insurance claims or legal issues as smooth as possible.
Remember, it is important to seek medical attention promptly after an auto accident to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment of any injuries. Medical attention should be with a qualified medical provider that know how to care for you and who knows about insurance claims. Not all doctors want to get involved with insurance claims; and for those who do not, they can seriously damage your bodily injury claim. We will help you find the right doctor for the type of injury you have sustained. Picking a doctor at random is a sure recipe for insurance claim issues.
Early detection and treatment intervention of an injury is critical to assure the best healing outcome. The medical/scientific literature is full of research on why this is so. Evaluate, treat and get proper legal representation. Getting a quality personal injury lawyer in Charlotte, NC is very important. As a doctor who represents injured people, I know injuries. I treated thousands of accident injury, and now I represent them in the legal arena. I fight for you and never for insurance companies. Call us if you need our help. Our staff at Ted A. Greve & Associates, PA is highly trained to help you every step of the way. The call to and consultation with my office are free. Call 1-800-333-4333 24 hours a day so that we can help start you on the way to health, and insurance claim, recovery.
