Four Steps to Take After Being in a Car Accident

 Posted on September 21, 2018 in Car Accident

If you are involved in a motor vehicle accident, you may not know what to do in either the immediate aftermath of the collision or the days following. Whether you were seriously injured and required emergency medical care or were able to safely leave the scene of the accident, you should take the following steps to protect yourself: 

Step 1 - Ensure Safety 

The first thing that should always be done following an accident is to calm down and ensure that everyone is okay. Unless you are severely injured and cannot move, it is a good idea to help others out of harm’s way and note the physical condition of each person and vehicle immediately following the accident. While making a mental note of all parties’ damages and injuries may is a good start, writing down detailed notes or taking pictures on a smartphone will ensure that this information is preserved. 

Step 2 - Call the Police

Call 911 to report the accident. It is in your best interests to have a police officer come to the scene of the accident and make a police report, which can be very helpful in determining who was at fault for the collision. Without a police report, the determination of fault will likely be based on incomplete information, such as statements from each party. A report from an impartial, trusted officer can be used to demonstrate what actually happened, reducing the likelihood of a dispute.

Step 3 - Gather the Other Party’s Information

Immediately following an accident involving another driver, it is important to retrieve that other driver’s basic contact information and insurance provider as soon as possible. There are situations in which you may have to wait, such as if the other party is severely injured or incapable of providing that information to you right away, or if you are injured and cannot acquire the information yourself. If possible, take as many relevant pictures as you can of the scene, including the other driver’s license plate.

Step 4 - Speak to an Attorney 

Do not answer questions asked by your insurance company or the other driver’s insurance provider until you have first spoken with an attorney. The other driver’s insurance provider may contact you with questions pertaining to the incident, but providing the wrong answers to their questions could lead them to deny your claim. Your attorney can speak to insurance providers on your behalf, and they can work to secure the full and fair compensation you deserve, whether through an insurance settlement or a personal injury lawsuit. 

Schedule a Consultation With an Experienced Fort Collins Car Accident Lawyer

Battling with an insurance company over the validity and value of a car accident claim is no easy task. Your chances of reaching an adequate settlement are much greater if you work with an experienced Larimer County personal injury attorney. Before you speak to an insurance company, call 970-225-2190 to schedule a free consultation with the skilled personal injury lawyers at Hoggatt Law Office, P.C. and learn how we can help you pursue compensation that fully addresses the damages you have suffered.

Sources:

https://www.dmv.org/insurance/tips-for-filing-a-car-insurance-claim.php

https://www.insure.com/car-insurance/third-party-accident.html