Being involved in a car accident is always a scary experience. The shock of the impact, the fear that you might be seriously injured, and the chaos that follows can be overwhelming. Not to mention the damage to your vehicle!
Fortunately, there are some things you can do to make the aftermath of a car accident less stressful and more manageable. In this guide, we’ll cover the most important things you must do right after being involved in a car accident so that you can be prepared for anything.
Call Your Lawyer
Even though this might not be the first thing on your mind after a car accident, it’s important to call your lawyer as soon as possible. First of all, you have a limited time to file a personal injury claim, which can vary from state to state. If you wait too long, you might miss your chance entirely. For instance, in Texas, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. However, the Texas car accident statute of limitations can be even shorter in certain cases. Your lawyer can help you figure out the statute of limitations for your case and make sure you don’t miss the deadline.
In addition, a lawyer can review your insurance policy and help you understand what coverage you have. If the other driver doesn’t have insurance or if their insurance isn’t enough to cover your damages, you might need to file a lawsuit against the other driver to get the compensation you deserve. Your lawyer can help you with that as well.
Call The Police
Even if the accident seems minor and there are no injuries, it’s important to call the police. The police will create an official report of the accident, which can be useful later on if you need to file an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit. The report will include important details about the accident, such as where it happened, who was involved, and what happened. This can help establish liability for the accident. If a policeman comes to the scene, be sure to get his or her name and badge number in case you need to follow up with them later.
Get Medical Attention
Whether you feel like you’re injured or not, it’s important to see a doctor after a car accident. First of all, some injuries, such as whiplash, might not show symptoms immediately. Second, even if your injuries seem minor, they could still be serious. A doctor can properly diagnose your injuries and recommend the necessary treatment. In addition, getting medical attention right away will help to prove that your injuries were caused by the car accident. If you wait too long to get medical attention, the insurance company might argue that your injuries were caused by something else.
So, if you’ve been in a car accident, it’s best to err on the side of caution and see a doctor right away. Also, be sure to keep all of your medical records and bills as they will be important evidence in your injury claim.
Collect Evidence
If you’re able, it’s also important to collect evidence at the scene of the accident. This can include taking pictures of the damage to your vehicle, getting the contact information of any witnesses, and speaking to the police officer who responds to the accident. It’s important to get a copy of the police report as well, which can be helpful when filing an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. The more evidence you have, the easier it will be to prove that you weren’t at fault for the accident and that you deserve compensation for your damages.
Just be sure to keep any receipts for any medical treatment you receive, as well as any repair bills for your vehicle. Not only will this evidence help prove your damages, but it can also help you keep track of your expenses so that you can be reimbursed for them.
Notify Your Insurance Company
You should also notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. Your insurance company will likely need to open an investigation into the accident, and they’ll want to know all the details. Be sure to give them a call and let them know what happened. You should also avoid giving them a recorded statement until you’ve spoken to your lawyer. The insurance company might try to use something you say against you later. For instance, if you apologize for the accident or say that you’re not injured, the insurance company might use that against you to try and deny your claim or reduce the amount they have to pay.
It is therefore best to let your lawyer do the talking for you to avoid saying anything that could be used against you. They have experience dealing with insurance companies and know what to say and what not to say.
As you can see, there are several important things you need to do after being involved in a car accident. By taking the proper steps, you can help to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. If you have any questions or need help with your claim, be sure to contact a personal injury lawyer. They will be able to guide you through the process and help you get the most favorable outcome possible.
