One of the most unsettling feelings is the feeling after you have been involved in a car accident. It seems like everything is moving so fast as you might be in shock or injured, perhaps both. This is not the time to do the research on what to do if involved in an accident. You should know what to do immediately regardless if you keep a laminated guide in the glove box or memorize what to do. A laminated guide is a great idea as you can simply refer to this instead of trying to remember something as you might have some kind of head injury. The following are tips to help you after you have been involved in a minor or major car accident.
DO NOT ADMIT FAULT
Once you have been involved in an accident it is important to realize that it might not have been your fault. People are too quick to place the blame on themselves when a person could have been on the phone or had their break lights out. When you are speaking to the officer who arrives on the scene as the police should always be called to document the accident avoid apologizing. Let the officer make his own decision of who was at fault before anything. The accident report can be used in court so provide the best information you can about what happened. You will have to call your insurance company as well but wait until the next day before calling. Getting flustered and admitting fault to the company due to lack of concentration or being on the phone can lead to the insurance company not paying out your claim. Simply read the accident report to the agent and do not add an extraneous details as these can hurt a case if it is taken to court.
Seek Medical Attention For All Injuries
Most people simply want to go home after a car accident regardless of how bad they are hurting. It is important to ignore this urge and seek the appropriate medical attention. This doesn’t always mean being taken off in an ambulance but call your primary care doctor to seek if you can get an appointment later in the day. Walk-in clinics are also an option for those who are hurt but it is not endangering them in terms of further injury. Document all of these things as it will be important if you seek legal representation.
Talk To a Lawyer
Many lawyers offer no cost consultations when it comes to a motor vehicle accident claim. This will give you a better idea if you have a case to go to court or you should just let it go. In some cases these lawyers will not charge you if they take your case and do not receive any compensation. Consult the lawyer within the few days after the accident as some of these cases can have time limits on when certain paperwork has to be filed.
As you can see this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the things you need to do after an accident. Be as proactive as possible to ensure the best outcome for yourself and your family. Car accidents are never planned but you can be prepared!
