6 Steps to Take After a Car Accident
Do you know that according to Statista, more than 4 million U.S. citizens were involved in car crashes in 2022? Also, considering the Colorado Department of Transportation’s statewide traffic fatality data, there’s a troubling trend on Colorado roadways, with over 700 fatalities in 2022, the highest number of roadway deaths since 1981.
Being in a car accident can be a nerve-wracking experience for anyone. No matter if you have been in a serious collision or just a minor accident, chances are you are too shaken up to think clearly. However, it is the time when you must act rationally and know certain steps to take afterward. Remember, dealing with a car accident begins right at the scene while ensuring everyone involved is safe.
Kentucky traffic accident reports refer to official documents generated by law enforcement agencies in the state of Kentucky following a motor vehicle accident.
Therefore, educating yourself is important to stay one step ahead after suffering from such an incident. To help you with that, in this article, we will discuss the six steps to take after a car accident that will not only help you make the right decisions but also strengthen your claim to recover maximum compensation.
- Stay Calm and Check for Injuries
The foremost thing you need to do after a car accident is to pull your car to a well-lit, safe place if possible. It is especially true if you have been hit from behind and may be an intended victim of a staged accident. Moreover, stay calm and call 911 or ask someone to do so if you or any other passenger is injured. In case of serious injury, avoid moving and wait for emergency personnel.
- Call a Car Accident Lawyer
Next is to call your accident lawyer right away. For instance, Scott is an accident lawyer in Colorado who will not only help you get out of the situation and gather the evidence that you may fail to foresee but will also help strengthen your claim and receive maximum compensation. The O’Sullivan firm will thoroughly investigate by interviewing witnesses and collecting police reports and photographs of the incident scene.
Remember, having a reputable car accident lawyer by your side can actually save the day. They are adept in dealing with such stressful situations, filing and pursuing car accident claims to ensure you get well-deserved justice and compensation, let alone mental peace.
- Exchange Useful Information
Once you are sure that no one is injured in the accident, you must exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver. For instance, some of the most important information to exchange include;
- Contact information and full name
- Driver’s license plate number and license
- Location of accident
- Insurance policy number and company
- Model, type, and color of vehicle
Also, avoid any unnecessary discussion, including fault, when reviewing the facts with the other party. It is because when you file the insurance claim, the adjuster who reviews your claim thoroughly investigates and then determines the party at fault based on the damaged property/vehicle inspection report, information provided by both the involved parties, and other supporting documents such as photographs from the scene or the police report.
- Gather Information
If you have been in a car accident that was not your fault per se, you should make sure that you hold sufficient evidence about how the crash occurred. Remember, accidents result in expensive and serious damages. Thus, sufficient proof of a crash’s occurrence is paramount to ensure the party at fault is held accountable and pays for it.
For instance, in addition to the other party’s contact information, take the contact details of the available witnesses. Similarly, make a note of the collision angle, and the spot vehicles hit each other. You may also take photos or make notes of other things that may impact the safety of driving conditions, like potholes or broken street lights. Remember, at every stage of your car accident case, like writing a demand letter, filing a car insurance claim, going to trial, or even negotiating a settlement; you would need evidence to prove fault for the damages and accident.
- Collect and Save Relevant Documents
When it comes to an auto accident’s documentation, it is imperative to have proper documentation. Once you decide to file a claim, your lawyer or insurance company will want as much information and detail about the accident as possible. For instance, for legal and insurance purposes, you must gather all the relevant medical documentation related to any injury sustained in the car accident at the earliest possible. This documentation will help understand the necessary treatments and severity of injuries and support any claims related to medical bills and appointment reimbursement.
Another way to ensure having all the important documents is to seek the assistance of a car accident lawyer, who can help you coordinate all of this documentation to ensure you get only the best settlement.
- Seek Treatment and Be Proactive
Even if you feel pretty alright after an accident, some injuries may become apparent only after a few days. Thus, avoid taking things lightly and visit your doctor for a thorough full-body checkup. For instance, there may be some serious spinal or head injuries from some minor accident impact resulting in unusual symptoms or pain; however, the only way you can understand the severity of the injury and get the right treatment is by seeing your doctor timely.
Also, injuries resulting from an auto accident are generally part of your car insurance claim; thus, you must document any physical harm that may have stemmed from the accident. Make sure you have your insurance company’s app or forms downloaded to your phone to guide you through the claim process. Also, designate a spot in your car to keep your insurance card, registration, contact information, and other things you would normally need at the accident scene.
The Final Words
Dealing with a car accident can be quite overwhelming and can become a complete mess if you fail to act proactively and timely. Thus, whether you have faced a minor accident or suffered major injuries, make sure to follow the steps provided in this guide. Taking these steps will not only help you save yourself from physical, mental, and financial losses but also help you seek rightful justice and compensation to continue living a quality life. Moreover, don’t forget to hire only the top lawyers to navigate the legalities and avoid making mistakes that could harm your case’s outcome.
