5 Things To Do After a Car Accident

Over three-quarters of drivers will be in an auto accident at one point in their lives. Consequently, most people don’t consider how they should handle a car accident until they’re standing on the side of the road after being in one. This list compiles a few important things to do following a car accident to protect your best interests.

Report the Car Accident

It’s usually a good idea to report any car accident, regardless of its severity. Reporting a car accident creates an official record of the accident, which may be important if you have to file a claim later. In fact, many insurance companies require a copy of an official police report when filing a claim. 

Reporting a car accident may be even more important if you suffer injuries. When you report a car accident, many cities will also automatically dispatch an EMS. This allows you, your passengers, or anyone else involved in the accident to receive the immediate medical care they may require.

Consider Talking With a Car Accident Lawyer

The steps you take after a car accident can determine your legal rights. It may be tempting to accept the first offer from the insurance company, even if it only partially covers your damages. Yet, if you suffered injuries at the fault of another driver or company, then it’s only right that they cover your damages. 

Talking with Chicago a car accident lawyer can help you better understand your legal rights and available options. Additionally, when you work with a car accident lawyer, you can focus on your recovery and leave all the legal and financial details to your representative. A legal expert can also help with insurance negotiations. Car accidents often lead to short and long-term damages, and it’s important to consider both when determining an appropriate insurance claim payment.

Be Evaluated by a Medical Professional

You should also seek medical care from a professional following a car accident. Significant injuries typically require immediate care. However, even if you feel fine, it’s still a good idea to be checked out by a medical professional. The adrenaline from being in a car accident may cover certain injuries. 

Additionally, if you don’t recognize the symptoms of a related injury until much later, it may be more difficult to connect it with the accident. Be sure to save a copy of all medical records and receipts. Common injuries from a car accident may include broken bones, a traumatic head injury, internal bleeding, or severe lacerations. Some injuries, including broken bones, visible cuts, or bruises, may be easier to identify. Other injuries, however, may not be as noticeable, making follow-up medical care important.

Collect Evidence

You’ll also want to collect any time-sensitive evidence right after the car accident. While some documents may be easy to collect later, others can prove more difficult. A few key pieces of evidence to collect right after the accident include photographs or videos. Try to capture proof of evidence that may be harder to recreate later, like the location of the accident or debris in the roadway.

Installing a dash camera can be an excellent way to collect evidence easily. Continue collecting evidence throughout the few days following the accident. Keep track of medical bills, receipts, or repairs.

Gather Contact Information

Some contact information may also be time sensitive, such as the phone number of any witnesses. You could capture photographs of other drivers’ or witnesses’ contact information or, if you prefer, write them down. Either way, this information may prove valuable later. Swap insurance information with the other driver. Write down the name and phone number of witnesses who could testify to the events leading up to the accident.

Contact Your Insurance Company

You’ll also want to inform your insurance company that you have been in an accident as soon as possible. Many insurance companies have timelines for how long you must file an insurance claim. It’s usually a good idea to notify them of the accident plus damages, but avoid signing anything until you have a better idea of the severity of the damages.

Avoid admitting or accepting blame. Car accidents often happen quickly, which can make it difficult to know exactly what happened. Let the insurance adjuster review the case and come to their own conclusion.

Car accidents can be scary and overwhelming. The natural fear and response of being in a car accident can make it difficult to take the right steps to protect your health and legal rights. Remember the basics if you’re in a car accident, including notifying the local police and receiving follow-up medical care. Then, consult with a car accident lawyer to explore your options.