It is important to know what to do following an accident so that you can get back on your feet as quickly as possible. Car accidents are more common than you might think. Whether it’s a fender bender or something worse, there are many steps to take after an accident. Read on for some helpful tips that will guide you through the process of what to do after a car accident.
Here are 7 steps to take after a car accident:
Step One – If safe and possible, pull over to the side of the road or out of the way of traffic and assess your damages. Never discuss your damages with the other driver or admit fault. Saying something simple like “I am okay” or “I am sorry” can be used against you during the claim process.
Step Two – Call the police, even if there is no visible damage or injury at the scene. You will need to file an official report with authorities that can be used when you are ready to fight the case. Your insurance company will also want a copy of the report.
Step Three – Check for injuries and offer help as needed, including calling emergency services if anyone needs medical attention.
Step Four– Take pictures with your phone of everything at the scene including all vehicles involved, property damage, and skid marks or debris from other cars involved in the collision. You should also take pictures of the people and witnesses at the scene and document all injuries. As soon as possible after the accident, write down everything you remember when it is all fresh in your memory. Cases often take over a year or even two to settle and your recollection of the accident may not be as fresh at that time.
Step Five -Get contact information from all parties present at the time of collision including the other driver’s insurance company name and policy number (if they don’t want you to call them, write down their license plate). Ask any witnesses for their name and phone number as well. Unbiased witnesses can sometimes solve the my word versus their words arguments and help win a case.
Step Six – Get medical treatment if you need it and always follow your doctor’s orders. A history of treatment such as physical therapy can be helpful when it comes time to settle your case. If your doctor prescribes therapy and you skip it, the insurance companies may not take your injuries seriously. Additionally, the sooner you seek treatment, the sooner you can recover (when possible). Stay organized by keeping copies of all doctor’s reports and medical bills in one file so it will be easy to provide when the time comes.
Step Seven – Call Adam Miller, The Texas Bulldog for expert legal advice. He will never charge you anything unless he wins your case.
After any accident, insurance companies will always try to give you the run-around and pay you as little as possible for your damages and injuries. Contacting an experienced attorney is the best step you can take to stand up to their insurance agents. A lawyer can be invaluable when navigating through this process as they know how insurance companies work and will guide you through all the steps necessary to make sure you get taken care of properly without any hassle on your end.
Don’t sign or agree to any settlement an insurance agent offers you without calling The Miller Law Firm first. Our qualified attorneys know how to navigate these situations which means you don’t end up feeling like the victim twice over from being hit by someone else then having their insurer turn around and deny coverage due to lack of evidence or other technicalities. The Houston personal injury attorney, Adam Miller will never charge you anything unless he wins your case. Call The Texas Bulldog now for a free case review at 713-572-3333.
