Car Accident – Every year, around 6 million accidents involving cars and light trucks take place in the United States. No matter if it’s a major or a minor accident, it can be a terrifying event, so knowing what to do afterward can help ease the anxiety.
Although dialing 911, checking for injuries, and getting everyone to a safe location are essential and the first things that spring to mind following an accident, several other crucial measures should be taken which are not as obvious.
If someday the unthinkable happens and you find yourself in an accident, below are three important steps you should follow.
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Get a Lawyer
The best course of action is to look for a lawyer after you’ve experienced a car accident. A private injury lawyer can assist you through the insurance claim and court procedures, particularly in complicated circumstances like being injured by an individual without insurance or being engaged in a hit-and-run.
An experienced car accident lawyer will advocate for the victim’s best interests and fight for justice on their behalf. Attorneys that handle car accident cases may help you through every stage of filing a claim or lawsuit, from gathering evidence and negotiating a settlement to trying your case in court.
Furthermore, a skilled attorney will know how to build a compelling case that will result in the full and fair reimbursement of their client. They will gather the proof required to establish fault and go for the compensation you are due.
Evaluate and Document the Damage
Keep meticulous notes of any medical attention you get for injuries caused by the accident. You should save all of your receipts from visits to the doctor, tests, and any drugs or treatments they prescribe. To file an entitlement with your insurance carrier, you’ll need to provide supporting paperwork.
In addition to this, you need to contact your insurance company so that they can send an adjuster to evaluate the extent of the damage to your car and any other affected property. However, they might provide you with a figure that is lower than what you desire, so you’ll need to get a second opinion on the amount you will need to do repairs or replace the items. Present your adjuster with the results of the independent evaluations, and try to negotiate a bigger payout.
If it is determined that your car cannot be fixed, then it is considered a junk car, and you may sell it for parts or scrap metal. Not much can be done, but at least you can make some money off of this. To find a suitable buyer, look for reputable cash for cars services where you can sell your junk car fast and for a good price.
The best way is to search for nearby companies that fit your criteria. Don’t let your old, broken-down car sit in your driveway, garage, or backyard and decay. Instead, sell it for quick cash, and get free towing services as well.
Report to Your Insurance Agency
In the occasion of an accident, car insurance is meant to safeguard you financially. In most states, you must carry a certain level of personal injury and property damage liability insurance. The purpose of each of these liability coverages is to compensate the victims of an accident that you cause.
If you are injured in an accident, personal injury protection coverage or medical payments coverage can assist pay for your medical bills and other related expenses. Your policy’s collision coverage will cover damage to your car. The coverage you already have with your usual health insurance provider will also be helpful.
Whether it is worthwhile to file a claim depends on the following:
- Who is to blame;
- How badly each driver’s car was damaged;
- Whether mild or major injuries occurred;
- What kind and level of insurance do you have;
- What kind and amount of insurance the other motorist has.
If you want to submit a claim, it’s essential to contact your insurer as soon as possible after the accident and let them know what happened. Provide them a detailed and truthful explanation of what happened in the accident, and also provide them a copy of the report that the police made. If there were any witnesses to the crash, you may include their contact details as well. That will strengthen your case with the insurance company and back up your statement.
When talking with the insurance company, it is important to always tell the truth. If you provide any false information to your insurance company, they may refuse to provide you with any coverage. Insurance fraud is a serious crime that might result from severe circumstances. You might be found guilty of a first-degree misdemeanor up to a felony of a third-degree, depending on the total of money at stake.
Final Thoughts
Naturally, the best approach to cope with a car collision is to never have one. This includes avoiding the most hazardous highways and always driving sober and responsibly. Despite your best efforts, accidents may nevertheless occur on occasion.
A minor car accident may spoil anyone’s day, but a major one can cause serious physical harm and cost thousands of dollars in property repairs. Keeping calm and following these instructions will get you through it.