An automobile accident’s aftermath may be quite frightening. If you were hurt in the collision, you may have to deal with injuries and medical expenses in addition to dealing with insurance providers, law enforcement, and even other drivers. Knowing what to do in this circumstance is crucial for defending your legal rights and ensuring that your safety is taken care of. A car accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and help you through each step.
Regardless of whether you were hurt in the accident, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about what to do following a vehicle accident in this post.
Step 1: Check for Injuries and Dial 911
If somebody gets hurt, call 911 immediately. Even if your injuries appear small, it’s crucial to get medical help as soon as you can. Remember that certain injuries may not manifest themselves for some time, therefore it’s crucial to get examined by a doctor.
It’s also critical to immediately call the police. It’s crucial to make a police report even if the other motorist refuses to record the event or exchange insurance information with you. This will allow you to demonstrate proof of the event to any health insurance providers or personal injury attorneys who may become involved later on.
Step 2: Alert Any Incoming Traffic
It’s crucial to alert oncoming cars of your presence after dialing 911. If you have flares or other safety equipment in your car, you can use these to warn other drivers in addition to turning on your warning lights. By alerting other drivers, they can avoid that area and prevent further accidents.
If there are other people around who can help, ask them to call for assistance and give them instructions to not obstruct the emergency vehicles coming to the scene of your accident.
Step 3: Gather and Exchange Information
First, compile the following data:
- The names of the other drivers who were in the collision.
- The other drivers’ addresses.
- If accessible, the other drivers’ phone numbers.
Then, share names, phone numbers, addresses, and insurance information with the other motorist or drivers who were involved in the collision. Sharing information might aid in determining who was at fault for the accident, which is crucial for insurance and legal reasons.
Step 4: Take Photos of the Accident Scene
It’s crucial to document the damage to both vehicles and the surrounding area after a car collision, as well as any injuries you or your passengers may have incurred.
The majority of the time, if you are in an accident with someone else, your insurance provider will ask to see pictures of the accident site and any damage that resulted from it. If there is ever a disagreement over who caused the accident, the more proof you can offer, the better off you’ll be.
Even if there aren’t any other vehicles involved in the collision, documenting the skid marks and dents on your own automobile will help you determine how much work it will take to fix them.
Step 4: Contact Your Insurance Company
One of the most important things to do after an accident is to contact your insurance company as soon as possible. They will guide you through the claims process and help you with any questions you may have.
Even though it might seem like a good idea to admit fault, don’t do it. Even if you think someone else was at fault, keep quiet. Any admission of fault may affect your rights in the long run.
Step 5: Contact a Car Accident Lawyer or Personal Injury Attorney
The last and most crucial step in the car accident recovery process is to contact a car accident lawyer or personal injury attorney. They can help you understand your legal rights, guide you through the claims process, and help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages.
It’s important to know that there are different types of car accident lawyers: personal injury attorneys, who focus on helping individuals who have been injured in accidents; and insurance defense attorneys, who represent insurance companies and other businesses and organizations involved in motor vehicle accidents.
A car accident lawyer or personal injury attorney can help you with:
- Filing a claim with your insurance company (or another party’s insurance company)
- Negotiating with the other driver’s insurance company (or another party’s insurance company)
- Filing a lawsuit against someone else if needed
- Getting medical care for your injuries
If you’ve been injured in a car accident but aren’t sure what to do next, it’s important that you speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
What To Do if You Have Been Injured in the Car Accident
You don’t have to settle for just any law firm. If you need legal representation you can trust, contact Robert J. DeBry today. We know that getting into a car accident is a scary, stressful experience—and it can be even worse when your insurance company takes advantage of your situation to deny your claim.
At Robert J. DeBry & Associates, we understand how difficult these situations can be for our clients and their families. That’s why we work on a contingency basis: If we don’t win your case, you don’t pay us anything. We’re dedicated to protecting the rights of Utah residents who have been injured in car accidents and will fight alongside you until the end of your case to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Don’t wait any longer if you’ve been injured in an accident or if someone close to you has been hurt by another driver’s negligence.
Find out more by contacting Robert J. DeBry & Associates today.