;)
December 23rd, 2024
Car accidents are immediate and unexpected, and may leave you wondering what to do next. After a stressful motor vehicle wreck, it is vital to take certain steps so that you don’t compromise your ability to have a successful and smooth transition back to your life.
The immediate moments after a crash contain some of the most crucial decision-making steps. It is the time for you to evaluate the situation and gather the right information to start processing your claim. In the chaos and confusion of it all, avoid doing the following:
After a traffic collision occurs, ensuring the safety of you and everyone involved is a top priority. If anyone is injured, dial 9-1-1 immediately.
Deciding to leave serious injuries unattended may pose the risk for injuries to worsen, become permanent, or even result in death. If you are unsure of the extent to which injuries have been sustained, it’s a good idea to be precautionary and call an emergency number. The progression of serious injuries may also result in larger medical bills down the line, so use this time to protect yourself on all ends.
No matter the severity of the car accident at hand, it is always important to check in with yourself, anyone in your vehicle, and any other individuals affected by the accident. Even if there appears to be minimal or no injury, seeking immediate medical care is vital for multiple reasons, such as:
Another important detail to note is that if a medical evaluation is not done in a timely manner, it may lead to a denial of personal injury claims. More often than not, untimely treatment leaves room for the at-fault insurance company to argue that injuries happened from non-accident-related causes.
When a motor vehicle crash occurs, especially when injuries are present, it is common for people to feel the sudden urge to apologize or make assertions regarding fault to cope with guilt. Even though this is a common reaction, whether you are at fault or not, do not make this mistake.
Any declaration of fault may be used against you and may negatively affect your insurance claim and the timeline of your compensation. The discussion of fault or blame should only happen when you are protected and obtain all pertinent information. Contact an attorney to evaluate your situation and provide guidance on the next steps.
Recording tools like photos, videos, and notes may establish the setup of the accident scene. Take as many detailed and inclusive shots as possible—such as wide angle, 0.5, and zoomed-in. Taking the time to do so could provide crucial evidence when filing your claim. Here is a list of what to prioritize recording:
At this time, providing context and setting up the accident scene for the insurance companies involved will provide further clarification if there is a debate about who is at fault.
Obtaining the contact information of the individuals involved and their corresponding insurance is vital. Exchanging information is needed to file an insurance claim and seek compensation if affected by the at-fault driver. Prioritize collecting:
The insurance adjuster on the case may need to utilize this information to obtain a more accurate understanding of the accident. Your attorney can also use this information for formal record statements if further evidence is needed for your claim.
Although there are important steps to take immediately after an auto accident, the following hours hold just as much importance. Just because you leave the scene of the collision does not mean you are done. Take a look at what mistakes you should avoid making in the first few days after the wreck:
After confirming you have all information collected, it is important that you immediately report your accident to your insurance company to start the claim process and receive coverage. Promptly initiating a claim will allow for a quicker proceeding. If you wait too long, insurance companies have the legal right to deny your claim.
When speaking with your insurance company, do not speak about who is at fault or admit personal blame. You must wait until you retain a lawyer who can help build you a case. Speaking about the general details is acceptable, but steer clear of in-depth topics until advised otherwise by your attorney.
Similarly to the steps you should take before conversing with your own insurance company, avoid going into specific details without protection from a car accident attorney. Depending on the insurance company at hand, not every car accident is handled in the best interest of the drivers involved.
Be sure to work alongside your lawyer to help you construct a general statement and answers to potential questions that might be asked. You may also grant your attorney permission to speak to the other driver’s insurance entirely on your behalf.
To ensure fair compensation and avoid denial of your claim, prioritize obtaining an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible. One of the biggest mistakes that you can make is not protecting your rights. Navigating the intricacies of an auto accident claim on your own can be overwhelming, especially if you are recovering from serious injuries.
Amid the stress and confusion that comes with car accidents, it’s understandable to forget what steps you should be taking to protect your rights.
At Bordas & Bordas our priority is to help you obtain the compensation you deserve and help make the following hours and days after an accident as smooth as possible. Let us advocate for you. Call today to schedule your free initial consultation.
