Six Key Steps after a Car Accident
Auto accidents can be terrifying, happening in an instant and leaving the vehicle’s occupants confused and unsettled. After a car accident, there are six key next steps that can make a difference in your future insurance and legal claims.
1. Exchange Important Information
Always exchange important contact information with the other driver. This is incredibly valuable information and should be recorded.
Include the other driver’s:
- Name
- Physical address
- Verifiable phone number(s)
- Driver’s license information
- License plate number
- Insurance provider
- Insurance policy number
It is possible to record these items by taking a picture (with a camera or a phone) of the other driver’s license, registration, and insurance card. If they do not have this information available immediately, take down the information to the best of their recollection.
2. Locate Witnesses
Try to locate the witnesses who saw the accident first hand. It is imperative that drivers understand that even though they may think they know what happened – and who is at fault – witnesses may have a differing account of the accident.
Witnesses are important simply because they can objectively recount the accident, without purposely delivering a favorable outcome to one of the two parties. This provides the driver with a clear account of the accident, no matter how the other driver discloses its happening to their insurance company.
If there are witnesses available, and to contact them in the future should there be a dispute regarding the accident, record their:
- Name(s)
- Phone number(s)
- Other method of contacting them
3. Do Not Discuss Fault
When talking directly to the other driver, do not discuss fault.
- Do not assign blame
- Do not admit fault
- Do not claim you are liable for the accident (even if you believe you were the one who may have caused the collision)
Auto accidents can be very emotional, leaving drivers in an alarmed state. Simply begin recording the information in steps one and two and allow the police and insurance companies to determine what happened based on the evidence available.
4. Document Injuries and Property Damage
Using a camera (or phone), take photographs of
- Any injuries
- Property damage
- Damage to the vehicle
- Any supporting evidence:
- Including skid marks
- Images of the accident site as a whole to support you claim
5. Seek Medical Attention
After the first four steps are completed—if you are able to physically get through the previous actions—seek medical attention. If you are injured, always seek medical attention first.
Seeking medical care will allow you to assess your physical injuries right away, allowing your health concerns to be documented immediately.
It is impossible to understand the depth of your injuries directly after an accident, as your adrenaline will impede your ability to comprehend your injuries fully. This step is important for your personal medical safety, as well as your insurance claim and overall ability to avoid what insurance companies call, “Delay in Treatment” in an effort to diminish your financial return.
6. Contact an Experienced Legal Team
Finally, contact the accomplished attorneys at The Bedford Law Group.
Our experienced legal team will deal with the insurance companies and the other driver’s attorneys for you. This allows you to focus on your physical and emotional recovery.
For a consultation with one of our attorneys, call today (310) 507-7900.
