Getting injured in a car accident is a very traumatic experience. It is easy to go into shock and become disoriented. As upset as you may be at the moment of a collision, there are still some important steps you need to take so that you can recover from your injuries and get money for your car. Therefore there are several things you should do after a car accident. Follow this checklist to find out more.
1. Comply With the Law
When you have an accident, you must call the police and wait for them to arrive. They will ask you what you remember about the accident. Most attorneys will advise you not to admit to guilt at the scene. Even if you think that you may be at fault, there may be some circumstances of which you are unaware.
2. Collect Evidence
When you are at the scene, you will want to try to get the names of any witnesses and take pictures of the cars. Be sure to request a copy of the accident report.
You should go to the doctor right away even if you feel okay. There are some injuries that may not be immediately apparent.
Remember to save all the bills from every medical treatment you have including massages and physical therapy. Save all the receipts you have from both prescription and non-prescription medication.
If you have lost time from work, you can get the HR director of your company to write you a letter documenting the hours you have missed. If you have had to hire a cleaning service, you should save copies of payments you have made.
3. Call the Insurance Company
There are 2 types of insurance rules in the US, fault & no-fault. Therefore in a fault state is responsible for the associated bills. In the other type, a no-fault state, the insurance company of the driver will pay for the car repairs and medical expenses. Who caused the crash is irrelevant.
If you live in a no-fault state, you will call your own insurance company and file a claim. In a fault state, you will still call your insurance company and they will normally call the other driver`s insurer on your behalf. However, you may want to give the at-fault driver`s insurance company a call as well to make sure they have all the facts right.
The insurance company will ask you questions and ask you to send in all of your documentation. They will then investigate and either deny or accept your claim. If they accept the claim, they will make you a settlement offer. It is never a good idea to accept a settlement without talking to an attorney.
4. Consult with a Personal Injury Lawyer
Many personal injury attorneys offer a free consultation to their prospective clients. They can tell you if the insurance companies offer is fair. If they think it is not fair, they can negotiate with the insurance company for you. They will be very well versed in accident law and will endeavor to get you compensation for your injuries..
It may take a long time to recover from an accident and it is sure to affect you financially. Following the proper steps can get you up on your feet and get you the money you need to get back to your normal life.