One of the most stressful times in anyone’s life is being involved in an automobile accident. It’s important to know that you’re not alone in dealing with the aftermath of a vehicle collision. In fact, 3 million people are injured in the United States each year as the result of car accidents. If you’ve never been involved in an accident, it’s wise to know what steps to take to be prepared for the future, especially when you’re the victim. Here are four steps to follow after being involved in a car accident that wasn’t your fault.
- Get Relevant Information From Other Driver
The first step to take after an accident occurs is obtaining the other driver’s information. In most cases, the other driver might begin preparing information without needing to be asked. After an accident, both drivers need to exchange names, contact numbers, and addresses. In addition, you’ll want to ensure that insurance contact information is exchanged. - Take Many Pictures of Accident
It’s imperative to take pictures of a collision, especially if you’re the car accident victim. Car accident lawyers often use photos of a collision to help prove the innocence of their respective clients. Many smartphones are able to take quality pictures that will hold up in a courtroom. In certain cases, another driver might try to fight that certain damages were already present before they hit your vehicle. Considering that, it’s important to take as many pictures as possible of your collision that represent where new damage has occurred. - Talk to Insurance Company
After you’ve obtained information and taken pictures, it’s time to speak with insurance companies. You’ll need to speak with your representative about the details of your accident. In addition, you’ll be speaking with the other driver’s insurance company about receiving compensation. Unfortunately, situations occur where the other driver’s insurance company might drag their feet or fight against your claim. Every car accident victim deserves compensation. If you feel that an insurance company is giving you the runaround, it’s time to contact legal services. - Contact a Car Accident Attorney
Statistics show that 6 million car collisions occur in the United States annually. Considering that, it’s understandable to feel that you’re being taken advantage of after your accident. Many drivers prefer to enlist the help of a car accident attorney after a collision takes place. A car accident attorney can offer assistance in many areas including case evaluation, evidence gathering, and negotiating with insurance companies. Statistics from the United States Department of Justice found that 52% of all personal injury cases are related to car accidents. Considering that, you’ll want to find a car accident attorney that specializes in helping victims of automobile accidents versus a general lawyer.
In summary, there are several steps to take after being involved in a car accident. You’ll want to ensure that you’ve obtained information from the other driver including information regarding their insurance carrier and policy. It’s wise to ensure you take pictures of the accident right after it occurs. Not only that, take as many pictures as you can to ensure you have a wide range of photos that support your case. Many car accident cases involve contacting insurance companies. Many drivers contact a car accident attorney to help ensure they receive the best possible chance of winning a case.
