Whether your car accident resulted in a fender bender or a complete totaling of your car, your life may turn upside down. After the initial shock has worn off, you need to follow certain steps to prepare yourself for the future in case the accident turns into a lawsuit. Discover exactly what to do immediately following a car accident.
Contact the Police
When the police arrive, they will talk to both parties and discover what took place. They’ll create a police report with this information which will be useful if you need to file an insurance claim or go to court. If there are injuries, the police can inform medical professionals that their services are needed.
Take Pictures of the Scene
A person’s testimony may be arguable, but pictures are difficult to dispute. Use your cell phone’s camera to take pictures of the vehicles, damage, people involved, and more. Think outside the scene as well. Was it raining or foggy when the accident occurred? Did it happen in a construction zone? Take pictures of anything that may have contributed to the accident.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Whether the accident was your fault or not, your insurance company needs to be notified of the accident. This will streamline the process of filing the claim, reimbursing you for your totaled car (if applicable), getting a loaner vehicle, and more.
Talk to an Attorney
Frustratingly, insurance companies have a bad habit of denying or stalling claims that they know should be honored. Our attorneys have extensive experience handling these types of situations and can guide you through the necessary steps. If your insurance company isn’t giving you a hassle, it’s still important to have a lawyer on your side after a car accident takes place. We can help you get the compensation you deserve!
Contact us today with your questions.