If you’re ever unfortunate enough to be in a car accident, it’s essential to know what to do, and when. You must keep yourself safe, get checked out, and protect your legal rights. You may also need to find a professional car accident repair center and take some time off work while you recover. In this article, we’ll provide some useful tips on how to handle a car accident correctly.
Table of Contents
Quickly Contact A Lawyer
Perhaps you were injured during the incident, and another driver was to blame. In this scenario, an experienced personal injury lawyer can help protect your rights and ensure that you’re fairly compensated. You have nothing to lose by speaking with an attorney about your issue since the majority of them offer free consults.They can advise whether you have a good chance of winning your claim – and if so, how much money you could be awarded.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania has a 2022 population of 1.61 million, and it’s no stranger to car crashes. If you need a Philadelphia car accident lawyer, they can handle your insurance claims with your best interest in mind, and help establish liability for your injuries. They’ll make sure you meet the Statute of Limitations and pursue justice in the courts if necessary.
Collect Peoples’ Contact Details
This is important so that you have a way of contacting the other driver (or drivers) involved in the accident. Get their name, phone number, email address, home address, and insurance information. You should also get the driving license details of the other person, and make sure they’re the car owner.
If there were any witnesses to the accident, get their contact information as well. These things will help ensure that you have all the information you need in case you need to file an insurance claim or speak with an attorney. Should you need a witness statement to verify your account of what happened (and why), it could prove crucial for your success.
Document The Scene Of The Accident
If possible, take pictures of the damage done to both vehicles involved in the incident. Photographing any skid marks on the road and any possible debris that may have been left behind is also a good idea. If the incident occurred because the road was poorly maintained, take photos of any:
- loose gravel
- poor lighting
- potholes
- low-hanging trees
You should also take photos of your injuries as these will support your claim for pain and suffering (and if applicable, trauma).
Involve The Police
Even if the damage seems minor and both parties involved seem amicable, it’s always a good idea to call the police. They can help document the accident and will also be able to provide you with a police report, which can be helpful later on. In some cases, insurance companies may require a police report in order to process your claim.
For this reason, take the details of the policeman or policewoman, the incident record number, and the address of their police station. This way, it’ll be easier to request the police accident report once it’s been documented. Once again, this could provide crucial evidence supporting your compensation claim.
Get Medical Attention Immediately
Not all symptoms appear instantly, (e.g. whiplash) so only a trained professional can truly assess your condition. There are many benefits to acting quickly, including:
- Getting a qualified person’s decision regarding the extent of your injuries
- Receiving treatment that can help you recover more quickly
- Starting the process of documenting your injuries for insurance purposes
If you wait too long, it may be more difficult to prove that your injuries were caused by the accident. By getting medical attention right away, you can be sure that you’re getting the best possible care.
Call Your Insurance Company
You’ll need to give your insurance company some basic information about the accident, such as:
- The date and time it occurred
- Where it happened
- A description of what happened
- The name and contact information for the other driver involved, if available
- The names and contact information for any witnesses
You should also find out what kind of coverage you have and what your policy limits are. This will determine how much your insurance company will pay for your damages. If you have questions about your policy or coverage, now’s the time to ask. Your insurance company will also have its own procedures for dealing with car accidents, so be sure to follow their instructions as well.
Let Your Lawyer Communicate On Your Behalf
Let your attorney be the one to communicate with insurance companies and the other driver’s lawyers. Don’t give insurance companies any recorded/written statements without your lawyer being present, because they’ll want to twist your words. This is to either reduce how much money they give you or to help them avoid any payout whatsoever. A lawyer will be aware of their tactics and can fight for justice on your behalf.
Some insurance companies will want to settle the case quickly and for a lower-than-fair amount. If an insurance company offers you a settlement, don’t accept it without talking to your lawyer first. They’ll know which offers to accept so that you’re properly compensated for the accident.
Stay Off Social Media
This includes both posting about the accident and looking for information about the other driver involved. The insurance company will be looking at your social media activity, and anything you post could potentially be used against you in court.
If you’re signed off work due to injury, don’t post pictures of you on vacation or at the gym, either! For these reasons, it’s best to stay off social media altogether until the case is resolved.
If you apply these useful tips to your situation, you’ll be able to effectively navigate this challenging season. With an experienced lawyer at your side, you’ll act wisely at all times and be able to look forward to a fair resolution. In time, you’ll receive financial compensation so you can pay your bills and focus on making a full physical recovery.
