No one wants to deal with the aftermath of a car accident. However, once someone crashes into your vehicle, you need to take immediate action. Not only can some of these steps help save lives, but they can also protect your legal rights.
From checking for injuries to contacting a personal injury lawyer, let’s examine the top 5 steps to take after a car accident.
#1: Check for Injuries and Call for Medical Assistance
According to the National Safety Council, car accidents left more than 5 million people with injuries in 2022. West Virginia roads can be dangerous, with the Federal Highway Administration also releasing a report that stated that there are 66 deaths for every 100 million vehicle miles traveled in the state in 2022.
When you are in an accident, the first step is to check for injuries. While you may have been stunned by the impact, take a moment to assess the situation. People can sustain serious injuries in even minor accidents. Also, some injuries may not be immediately apparent. For that reason, it is better to err on the side of caution and get a medical check.
If you do find injuries, call 911. Stay calm and provide as much information as possible to the emergency services operator, including:
- The location of the accident
- The number of people involved
- Any details about the injuries
Remember, never leave the scene of an accident without checking everyone’s well-being. Those few extra moments could mean the difference between life and death.
#2: Contact the Police and Get an Accident Report
Even after a minor collision, report the accident to the police. In some areas, law enforcement may not respond to minor accidents without injuries. However, you should still document the incident to protect yourself from any legal disputes in the future.
If an officer arrives at the scene, get their information and a copy of the accident report. In the event that they will not respond, you still need to file an incident report. Whether made in person or online, the report will help when you need to file an insurance claim or lawsuit.
#3: Collect Information From the Other Driver and Witnesses
Make sure to collect information from the other driver(s) and any witnesses. You will want to exchange contact information, such as:
- Full names
- Phone numbers
- License plate numbers
- Insurance policy information
Also, take time to get pictures of the accident scene, including the damage to all vehicles. This information can help determine fault and assess the extent of the crash. When you need to file a claim or lawsuit with your insurance company, you will have all the information ready for the case.
#4: Reach Out to a Lawyer
There is some debate about whether to contact an attorney who handles Charleston, WV car crashes, or the insurance company first. Keep in mind that you will want to be careful how you handle the next steps. Unfortunately, if you misspeak to the insurance company, they may try to hold your words against you. For example, you may try to brush off an injury as minor when, in fact, you will need costly medical treatment for it.
With that in mind, we always recommend contacting a car accident lawyer immediately. When looking for an attorney, scheduling a consultation with them is recommended. Like us at Forbes Law Offices, most attorneys offer free initial consultations. You can take advantage of this opportunity to discuss your situation, ask questions, and evaluate whether the lawyer is a good fit for your needs.
During this time, research and ask the lawyer about their track record in handling cases similar to yours. With that, you have an idea of their success rate and ability to handle your situation. By taking the time to choose the right car lawyer, you can feel confident that you have found a knowledgeable and trustworthy legal advocate on your side.
#5: Notify Your Insurance Company
This step will depend on your policy requirements. Some may want you to report an accident within 72 hours, while others may give you a few weeks. Also, if you have a personal injury lawyer, they may be able to handle this step for you.
If you need to notify the car insurance provider, provide them with all the details of the accident. They will need the accident’s date, time, location, and other driver’s information. Most of the time, the case will be turned over to a claims adjuster, who will investigate the incident. After that, you could get an initial settlement for your case. On the advice of your attorney, you can either accept or negotiate for better terms.
Whatever you do, remember that failing to notify your insurance company of an accident could result in your claim being denied. In that situation, you would be responsible for all damages and expenses associated with the accident.
Following these steps can help injured victims get the help they need and protect their rights if they are ready to pursue a legal claim.
