After a car accident, creating an accurate record of the event is important. This record will be essential for any subsequent insurance claim or lawsuit. First, ensure you are safe by exiting your vehicle and moving to a safe spot. Then, seek medical attention.
Call The Police
Car accident victims are often confused about what steps to follow following a crash. Additionally, they can be uncertain as to whether the insurance provider of the negligent motorist is liable for paying for their losses. Even if you think the crash is minor, it is important to call the police to the scene. It will make it possible for the police to write up a report on the occurrence, which will aid in figuring out who is responsible for your losses and injuries. It is also crucial to speak with the police officer at the scene to answer questions and provide statements about what happened. However, it would help to be careful about what you say, as some comments could later hurt your claim. Avoid discussing the accident with other drivers at the scene is also a good idea.
Contact An Attorney
It is important to contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible after the crash. An attorney can begin investigating the case and gather all necessary evidence while it is fresh. An attorney will also be able to negotiate with the at-fault driver’s insurance company on your behalf. The at-fault driver’s insurance company does not have your best interests in mind and will often try to get you to sign documents or accept a low settlement offer. Launching a lawsuit could occasionally be necessary to get just compensation for your damages. When fighting insurance companies in court, a skilled car accident lawyer Greenville NC, can assist in leveling the playing field.
Get Medical Attention
There are several different options for medical treatment after a car accident. Most people will start by seeing their primary care doctor, but some injuries may require a specialist, such as a neurosurgeon. If an injury is serious, you should go to the emergency room. It is especially important if you have head or back damage or any other severe injury. Some injuries, such as whiplash, may not show symptoms after the accident. Seeing a doctor will help make sure that any symptoms are caught as early as possible, which can also speed up any insurance claims involved. Getting a doctor’s note will also prove that you have been injured, which can prevent an insurance company from denying your claim.
Take Pictures
Taking photographs is a vital step to help support your car accident injury claim. As Direct Auto Insurance states, “Go snap crazy.” The photos should include the following:
Photographs of the accident scene include skid marks, road signs and other debris. It is also important to take close-up photos of your vehicle’s damage and the other cars involved in the accident. Also, take pictures with and without a flash. Different lighting can sometimes reveal new details. It is a good idea to take photos of your injuries as well. Even a slight pain could worsen over time, and you will want proof that the damage was suffered in the crash.
Report The Accident To Your Insurance Company
In some States, if the damage caused in the accident is more than $1,000 or anyone sustains injuries, you must file an accident report. Please do so to ensure you retain your car insurance coverage. Please take pictures of the vehicles involved in the crash, their location, and any other relevant evidence. Ideally, it would help if you took the photographs or asked someone to do so. Notifying your insurance company of the crash may seem counterintuitive, especially if you intend to file a claim against the negligent driver’s insurer. However, it’s important to inform your own insurance company as soon as possible. It will protect you if the negligent driver’s company denies your claim.
