August 3, 2020 | Car Accidents, Personal Injury
Being involved in a car accident of any kind, no matter how severe, can be a traumatizing experience.
As a car accident attorney, we can say with certainty that it’s the moments immediately following the accident that will greatly influence your claim.
This is a time when the evidence surrounding your accident is untouched, allowing you to properly document the details for a court to see.
This provides definitive proof of your vehicle’s damages and any injuries you may have suffered as a result.
This article will help guide you through the steps you should ever experience the unfortunate event of a car accident.
Above all, we recommend you keep safety in mind any time you are on or around the road.
Even if the accident doesn’t seem serious, it’s important for you to contact the police to file a car accident police report.
Depending on the state, it may be against the law not to, especially if someone was injured, or if the damage is over a couple of hundred dollars.
If you’re not sure about your state’s laws, you should call the police and make sure you’re following the proper protocol before leaving the scene of the accident.
Related: What should I do if my car accident Police Report is incorrect?
This is the most important visual evidence you can have regarding your accident.
Taking photos of the scene before the cops or a tow truck arrives allows you to capture the undisturbed scene of the crash.
This is the most accurate visual proof of your accident before vehicles are moved and the evidence is handled.
In addition to pictures, written notes play a big part in the moments after an accident.
Taking down the other driver’s insurance and license information is vital in helping you seek compensation later on.
You should also write down any important information to match it up to the police report later, including witness names and telephone numbers.
This information can then be relayed to the police officer who arrives at the scene of your accident.
Related: How a Car Accident Witness Impacted Our Client’s Case
Your insurance policy may require you to notify the company of an accident – and sometimes you only have a short amount of time to do so.
If you are in a car accident and you fail to report the incident, it could mean your insurance company will refuse to pay for the damages.
Provide the insurance company with your account and the information you gathered, and find out if any additional documentation will be needed.
Related to this point, you do not have to speak with the insurance companies for any of the other vehicles in the accident. Speak with your insurance company first and they will give your guidance.
Related: How and when should I file a car accident police report in Missouri?
If you feel you’ve been injured in an auto accident, it’s important to seek treatment right away, especially if there is a possibility you will file a claim against the other driver. You can go to the emergency room or see your doctor.
Visiting a doctor who can treat and document your injuries, especially those that can not be seen in pictures, is crucial to filing your car accident claim. This is also true for out-of-state car accidents.
If you were injured in an automobile accident involving a motorcycle, the case may be different. Speak with a St. Louis motorcycle accident attorney for more details.
Once you have filed your claim with your car insurance company and visited with a doctor, you should contact a local car accident lawyer to begin the process of filing your car accident lawsuit.
In many cases, the other person involved in the car accident will have their own car insurance agent, and they will do everything in their power to minimize the amount of money you receive for both repairs to your car and your injuries.
A car accident attorney will be able to review your case and let you know whether or not you should pursue further compensation or legal action after your car collision.
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