Getting into an auto accident can make for a frightening experience. This experience can be made worse when you find that you've been injured as a result of the accident.
If you believe that the other driver was at fault for the accident, it’s likely that you’ll be able to obtain at least some compensation for your injuries. If you’ve never been involved in an accident before, it can be difficult to understand what to do in the immediate aftermath.
Understanding the first steps that you should make following an accident should help you minimize your mistakes.
Taking the Right Steps After An Accident
When you’ve been in an accident, the first thing that you should do is check for any injuries. If you’re injured, you need to obtain medical attention immediately so that your injuries can be properly tended to. Contact the police as well if you have the ability to do so. When they arrive, they will record all of the details pertaining to the accident, which they will then place into a police report that can be addressed during the claims process. You should focus on gathering certain information if your injuries aren’t too severe, which includes the name and address of the other driver, the other driver’s insurance information, witness statements, and photos of the scene. All of this information will be helpful when you’re filing an insurance claim or lawsuit.
What's Involved in an Insurance Claim
If another driver was at fault for your injuries, you’ll likely be able to file a claim with their insurance company. You should also make sure that you contact your own insurance company to record the details of the accident. When you’re filling out an insurance claim, you’ll be asked to provide your name, address, phone number, and other personal information. You will need to record the details of the accident, which includes the location and time of the accident as well as how it happened. If you have been injured in the accident, you should also make detailed notes of the extent of your injuries. Once you’ve filled out all of the pertinent information, the claim will be processed by the insurance company, after which it will either be accepted or rejected.
Consider Obtaining Help From Personal Injury Lawyer
A personal injury lawyer can help you fill out your initial insurance claim while also providing you with the assistance you need to avoid making mistakes. If your claim is rejected or you receive a settlement offer that’s lower than you expect, a lawyer can provide you with legal advice on what your next options are.
When to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit
Even if you’re able to prove that the other driver was at fault for your accident and the injuries that you’ve incurred, the insurance company may reject your claim or provide you with a low settlement offer. At this point, you might want to consider filing a personal injury lawsuit against the insurance company in question to obtain the amount of compensation that you deserve.
