I’ve had a car accident! What do I do now?
A car accident can be a minor fender bender, or it could be a violent, injury-causing crash.
If you’ve been involved in a car accident, you need to protect your rights.
First of all, make sure you and your passengers are safe. If possible, move the vehicles out of traffic and turn on your flashers.
Call the police; even if there are no obvious injuries, you may need a police report in the future for an insurance claim.
Get Medical Attention
If you are injured, seek medical treatment immediately! Many injuries don’t show up immediately. You may suffer symptoms and pain several days after the car accident.
Provide law enforcement with the facts, as you know them. If they ask if you are injured, you can say you are not sure, as many injuries don’t show up until a few days later.
If you can do so safely, take photos of the accident scene and all the vehicles.
Exchange license and insurance information with the other drivers. If there are any witnesses, get their contact information as well.
Report the accident to your insurance company and stick to the facts of the crash. Check your coverage, find out if you have rental insurance or uninsured motorist coverage on your policy.
Documentation is Critical
Take notes! You may think that you won’t forget what happened, but details can grow fuzzy as time goes along. Write down as many details as possible about the accident right away.
Keep detailed records of all medical appointments and treatment. Did you lose work time due to your injuries? Maintain a record of missed work and document how the injuries have affected your daily life.
Consider contacting an attorney. Most injury attorneys offer free case consultations so it won’t cost you anything to meet with them. An attorney can help you file a claim and get the compensation you deserve.
How We Can Help
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in an accident, you must protect your rights. Contact the Leader Law Firm for a free case evaluation.
We will listen, answer your questions and help determine if you should pursue legal action.
Helpful Information: Find links to some of the vehicle safety picks from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
