What you say and do immediately after having a car accident could be critical to your chances of getting properly compensated for any injuries or damage sustained.
That’s why it is important to know what you need to do after a car accident. One of the most important steps is to get in touch with a Lehi car accident lawyer, for instance, so that they can help you through the claims process every step of the way.
In the meantime, here’s a quick step-by-step guide on what you need to do when you have a car accident.
Confirm if you have any injuries and call for emergency help
You should always check to see if you have any injuries. Sometimes, you can’t always tell if you have sustained any internal injuries or suffered an injury such as whiplash, which can take a few hours to have an impact.
The best course of action is often to call the emergency services and get yourself checked over. This always helps if you subsequently make a compensation claim.
Make sure you also confirm if any of your passengers have any injuries that need attention.
Always call the police
Even when you consider that you have been involved in a minor collision it is best to call 911. It is even a legal requirement in some states.
Calling the police is really important for a number of reasons. The officer who attends the scene will complete an accident report form. They will also document the scene for future use. All of this information could be vital as your insurance company will ask for a copy of the police report. If they cannot attend for some reason, make sure you go to the nearest police station and file a report yourself.
Exchange insurance details
While you are waiting for the emergency services to arrive you are likely to have a conversation with the other driver, if no one is injured badly.
Make sure you exchange insurance information details but do not attempt to discuss the circumstances of the accident or try to determine who was at fault for the collision.
It is fine to collect their details and take photos of the scene for your own reference, but do not discuss the crash as this could have a detrimental impact on your ability to make a future claim for compensation.
Get in touch with a lawyer
One of the most important things you can do immediately after an accident, once you have confirmed everyone is safe, or receiving medical attention, is to make contact with your chosen accident lawyer.
They can guide you through the claim process and help liaise with your insurance company and other relevant parties. Insurers often try to find a way to minimize their losses and you could be invited to accept a lower offer or have your claim denied without professional help.
Having a car accident is bad enough, making mistakes with your claim and not following the correct procedures could compound your problems if you are denied the compensation you are due because you didn’t do the right things after your crash.
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