What Should I Do After a Car Accident?
Being in a vehicle accident is a scary, painful, and confusing experience. Knowing what to do at the moment or who to talk to in the aftermath can be difficult. However, there are specific steps that you should take after a car accident to protect your health and your legal claims.
After a crash, you must take the proper steps to protect your health and long-term financial situation. You probably know you should exchange contact information, insurance company details, and other information with others, but what else should you do?
Remembering these priorities will help you with both the treatment of any injuries and your ability to file a claim.
At Mitch Grissim & Associates, our team of highly-rated legal professionals has helped many drivers involved in accidents by protecting them during the claims process and helping them navigate the complex legal system after motor vehicle accidents. Call the office or contact us today to schedule a free evaluation of your case with one of our Nashville car accident lawyers and learn how to file a claim.
Check for Injuries
If possible, the first thing you should do after an accident is to check yourself and others for injuries. If it is clear that someone needs medical help, call the police immediately and report the collision to emergency services. Even if no one reports any injured parties at the scene, this next step is still critically important for your case.
Get to Safety if Possible
If you can exit the vehicle or move it to the side of the road, you should do so immediately. Often, the vehicle location could be dangerous for other drivers if they are still on the road. If the damage to your vehicle is not too catastrophic and you can pull over, then it is recommended that you do so.
No matter where your vehicle is after the accident, it would be best to turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers about the danger.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
The next step after a vehicle accident is to seek immediate medical attention. This is important for two reasons. First, a healthcare professional can diagnose and begin treatment of any injuries immediately, including any wounds that might not be noticed immediately, like internal bleeding.
Second, getting immediate medical treatment establishes a proven track record of your wounds after the accident. This documentation can be necessary later in a legal case for compensation.
You should also visit a doctor soon after an accident, even if you have not experienced any apparent or exterior serious injuries. Though you might feel fine, there is a good chance that you have experienced some form of physical trauma that could have adverse effects later. Even if you were treated at the accident scene and deemed healthy, quickly schedule an appointment with your physician to double-check.
Gather Evidence from the Scene and Exchange Information
If possible, gather evidence from the accident site. This includes the insurance company, policy number, driver’s license, and contact information of the other driver involved, along with the phone numbers of any witnesses to the accident. Take photos and videos of the scene and the vehicle damage caused by the crash. Are there skid marks to capture? Could property damage come into play?
Gather as much information as you can at the accident scene.
Ask for a copy of the Police Report
When the police arrive, request a copy of the accident report, as this evidence may be used in a legal case. As far as evidence goes, this document could be part of a strong defense in your pursuit of compensation for damages.
Keep a Record
Record your healing and progress in the days, weeks, and months after the accident. Maintain records and receipts of all expenses associated with your accident, including all medical costs and property replacement. Also, keep a daily journal of your physical progress and lost wages during rehabilitation.
You should also save a copy of the police report or at least write down the report number. You can also ask for the responding officer’s badge number.
These records are incredibly helpful in establishing the economic and non-economic damages caused by the accident and calculating your overall compensation.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Your policy is as important as getting insurance company information from the other driver. Once you call the police and exchange insurance information with the driver, you should also contact your provider.
This is essential because a professional can help you determine what kind of evidence you need. If emergency personnel have been contacted, they may ask you for info such as the license plate number, type of the other car, or other questions that would be helpful for an adjuster.
If needed, they may be able to connect you with a tow truck covered under your policy. It is beneficial for those involved in motor vehicle accidents to let their insurance firm know about the collision quickly.
Hire a Skilled Attorney
Finally, talk to a lawyer experienced in Tennessee car accident cases about representing your claims after your accident. You need an experienced attorney to manage negotiations with insurance companies and make the best possible arguments for your case in court. Let your attorney handle the legal case so that you can focus on what is most important – your recovery.
An Attorney can Help with Negotiations with the Insurance Company
One of the most challenging aspects of the claims process for an individual is negotiating with the other driver’s insurance company. This entity will do anything to avoid accepting liability and making a large payout.
The right lawyer can advocate for you and support your legal right to a fair settlement. Finding legal representation is critical when proving that the company should compensate you for any damages accrued in the accident.
Gathering Evidence Like the Accident Report is Crucial
An attorney also understands the importance of evidence in a car insurance claim. It’s the only way to prove you’re innocent and that liability belongs to another party when the accident occurred.
This step gives you a better chance of recuperating financial losses from medical bills, property repairs, lost income, or other expenses due to the incident.
A Few Other Important Notes
These initial steps are essential to follow, but you must keep some other things in mind, even in a minor accident.
Never Admit Fault
This is important for any car accident. The claiming process depends on who the at-fault driver is. When the police ask questions about the incident, do not admit fault. Otherwise, you will be unable to pursue fair compensation after the fact.
According to state law, even if the accident was only a minor collision, other factors could ruin your case. Many insurers will use an admission of fault to negate any claims against them, so do not admit to anything.
When in Doubt, Write it Down
If unsure whether certain information will be relevant to your case, assume it could be and write it down. Take note of the license plate numbers of the other vehicle involved in the accident or nearby. Take a picture of the insurance card and know the other driver’s insurer. Ask for their vehicle identification number, if you can, and their driver’s license numbers. Write down the police report number from the accident scene.
There is no reason to avoid collecting as much information as possible after an automobile accident because you never know what will be relevant to your auto insurance claim.
Staying Calm is Difficult But Necessary
It may be tempting to let your emotions rule after an accident. However, if you can remain calm, you can make rational decisions that will benefit you in the future.
Instead of dwelling on what has happened and the worry it will cause, focus on what you can control: your response. Remember the steps to set you up for safety and obtain justice when the accident is not your fault. Call the authorities as soon as possible so the nearest police station can respond and help you navigate the situation—exchange contact information about insurance companies with others at the scene.
If you remain level-headed throughout the confrontation, you will better remember and benefit from the steps.
Talk to Our Office
We hope you find this article helpful if you get into a crash in the future. Know that our team of attorneys is ready and willing to secure your rights after an impact and help you win fair compensation for any damages incurred.
To learn more about the wide range of legal services Mitch Grissim & Associates offer our injury clientele, call or contact our office today to schedule a free consultation.
