What You Need To Know After A Car Accident
Most automobile accidents lead to only damaged property, which is a good thing. However, two out of ten accidents result in someone losing their life. One out of three accidents involves someone getting hurt. Because of this, you need to understand what to do at the scene of an accident, should you be involved in one.
1- Stop. It is that simple. If you have been in an accident don’t run away. You need to ensure that everyone is okay. Even if it was a minor one, if it involved another person’s car or property, it is your responsibility to let the other owner know and exchange information. Sometimes the police should be called out or if necessary call for medical assistance. But, don’t run away from an accident.
2-Protect the Scene. Be sure, when possible, that the flashers are on. When it is dark, this is especially important as you want others to see you. Either stay in your car or if you feel that your safety is in danger, you can stand outside of the car. Be on the alert, so you don’t cause another accident.
3-Call the Police. Call the police to get a police report. This is often necessary if you are going to be filing a claim with your insurance company. Typically you want to leave the vehicles where they are, but if they are interfering with traffic, pushing off to the side of the road is a better option.
4- Make an accurate record. If you don’t know something, tell them that, don’t speculate or guess at what happened. Sometimes we don’t know what happened as accidents can happen so fast. If you are asked if you are injured, for example, and you don’t know, say you don’t know. You should also make sure that statements by the other parties are accurate as well. Many times, when injuries occur because of an accident, they appear a few hours later.
5-Take pictures. While this might not be the first thing on your mind, taking pictures will show how the vehicles are on the road for anyone questioning things later. Get pictures from all sides that will accurately help those investigating see what happened. You have probably heard the words, a picture is worth 1000 words.
6-Exchange Information. Usually, the responding officer will gather up all this information. However, if there isn’t a responding officer, you will need the names and numbers of all those involved. You should exchange insurance information, usually, a picture with your phone will work for this task. If there were any witnesses, be sure that you get their information as well, in case you need them later.
Usually, the responding officer will provide those that are in an accident with a police report number and a card that will have their information on it. Be sure you put that in a safe spot for later. That number will correspond with the police report they will write up later, usually in a day or so you can get a copy of that. If the accident happened on a State highway, you will need to contact the state police. Again, most of the time, they give you a card with all the information on it that you will need.
7-Report that accident to your insurance company. This is an important step as most insurance companies require you to report right away. Most of the time you have what they call medpay on your insurance, as a part of the policy. This means that they will cover any of your medical bills. Medpay insurance covers the medical bills of the occupants of the car as well. You should use this, as it is what you pay them for. Once this benefit is exhausted then your normal medical insurance becomes primary again.
8-Seek Medical Attention. Many times at the scene you don’t feel much pain. The rush of adrenalin has covered up the pain. However, as the day goes on or even a couple of hours later, you might start to feel pain. Even if you don’t think it is something serious, you should always be checked out. Even small minor fender benders can cause serious issues with the spinal cord. You could have gotten a concussion, even a small one is considered a closed head injury and you should be looked at by a physician.
9-Keep a file. Keep everything in one spot from the police report to any medical bills that come in. You will have several contacts including your claims adjuster and even someone from the other parties’ insurance company from time to time. Keep track of all of this information to ensure that you have everything properly documented.
10-Consult an Attorney. Many times insurance companies will follow up with you right away to get your statements. This can be detrimental in your case, especially if your injuries don’t show up until a few days later. Be sure that you consult your attorney to know your rights and know what to actually say to get the most out of the insurance company.
Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingent basis, meaning they won’t take your case if they don’t think they will win. They don’t get paid until they win, so speaking to them after an accident is very affordable, in most cases it is totally free. So, why wouldn’t you consult an attorney to be sure that you are getting what you deserve from being in an accident? Your property has been damaged, even if there aren’t any injuries.
We are personal injury attorneys that help clients just like yourself get compensated after an automobile accident. We take our time to investigate each case to ensure that we are ready to fight for you. Our attorneys have worked many cases and are ready to take on another. If you feel that you are not getting compensated the way you should, call Charlotte premier car accident lawyers, and let’s take a look at your case.
Call the Charlotte NC Car Accident Lawyers Group at (980) 239-2275 to get a complimentary case evaluation.
