What do I do after a car accident?
The first thing you should do after being involved in a car accident may seem obvious, but it is crucial in protecting your rights and following the law. The first thing to do is to stop your car. Tensions and emotions can be high after a car accident, but do not panic and drive away.
Some panicked drivers flee the scene even if they were not at fault; this is a dangerous and unlawful mistake. If you are injured, stay at the scene and call an ambulance. If you are not injured, stay calm and ensure that you and your passenger(s) are physically unharmed.
Unless you have serious injuries and need an ambulance, stay where you are, then follow the “What To Do After a Car Accident” checklist that our lawyers at Get Car Accident Money put together. Following the steps below will increase the likelihood that you will recover the maximum amount of compensation from the insurance company or in court.
Call our auto accident lawyers at Get Car Accident Money today for more information.
This is a very important step. Call the police, even if it was a minor accident.
When the police arrive at the scene of a car accident, they will write an official report that includes valuable details of the collision, which will help provide evidence to insurance and, if you decide to pursue litigation, in court. Police reports include the following information:
- Date and time of the crash
- Diagram of the collision
- Location of the wreck, including street names
- Location of damage to the vehicles involved
- Weather, road, and lighting conditions
- Contact and insurance information of the other driver(s) involved
- Statements and contact information from any witnesses
- The officer’s opinions of who caused the crash
A police report will help establish who is at fault, and officers can mitigate tense situations between drivers. They will also ensure that all parties comply with the law and provide the proper information. Although police reports are valuable pieces of evidence for insurance and your legal team, they are usually not allowed to be used as evidence in courts above the small claims level.
After contacting the police, call your insurance company. If you want to make an insurance claim after an accident, remember to get the contact information of any witnesses who can help support the claim. If possible, take photos of the accident scene. These will also help support your claim. Helpful photographic evidence could include:
- A photo of your car and the damage it sustained in the accident
- The other car(s) involved and the damage they sustained
- Any injuries you sustained
- Skid marks on the road
- Car parts, glass, or other debris
- Stop signs or traffic signals
The next step after being involved in a car wreck is to speak with and gather contact information from any witnesses. Witness testimony is extremely influential for insurance adjusters and juries if your case goes to trial.
If you are able, speak with people at the scene of the accident. They could be other drivers who stopped, people crossing the street, or even diners in a restaurant adjacent to the scene. If you were unable to speak with witnesses at the scene of the accident, you can return and speak with nearby business owners or people who frequent the area.
Perhaps the most important step to take after a collision is to speak with an experienced car accident attorney at Get Car Accident Money. Our expert lawyers will protect your legal rights by ensuring that valuable evidence is not destroyed or hidden. We will evaluate your case and help you decide what the best course of action is moving forward. Get Car Accident Money will also ensure that you receive full compensation for the damage and injuries you sustained because of the accident.
Often, the insurance company of the at-fault driver will contact victims of car accidents and try to get them to make a statement that would negatively impact their case. That’s why it’s imperative that you hire an auto accident lawyer after being in a collision – we know how to negotiate with insurance companies and fight for the compensation you need.
Because our lawyers at Get Car Accident Money work on a contingency basis, you can trust that we will work as hard as we can to get you the money you deserve. We don’t get paid until you do. Call Get Car Accident Money or contact us online for a free case consultation.