Having The Disadvantage Of Being In A Car Accident, Now What?

Pain, stress, confusion, fear, anxiety and frustration are all the main emotions that take place when you or a loved one has been in a car accident. Simply because accidents happen every day, very few people have the knowledge and training on how to react, what decisions they need to make and what steps they need to take after they have been involved in a car crash especially if you cannot afford a personal injury lawyer.

In order for you to understand the steps you need to take immediately after an accident and even in days and weeks after the incident, preparation, comprehending and patience are all key factors to getting through this very difficult, frustrating and stressful situation.

Always Be A Step Forward

No matter what, your vehicle should always have the following documentation in the glove compartment:

• Car Registration
• Insurance Info

In today’s world with the technology of mobile phones they typically have a camera, a section to write notes which can help you drastically if you are ever involved in an accident.

At The Scene Of The Accident

First and foremost you need to evaluate whether you or the other person(s) involved in the accident require medical attention. If you come to find out someone is in need of medical attention, call 911 immediately because your health and safety and others involved in the incident are superior.

Secondly, if you realize know one has been injured to the degree they need medical attention, you need to determine whether your surroundings and your vehicle have any damage. If you can and if possible, move your vehicle to the side of the road, otherwise remain inside your vehicle until emergency vehicles arrive.

Lastly, be sure to exchange information with the other person in the accident and also document the incident – This is where your phone with the camera and notepad could come in. Provide your vehicle registration and insurance info to the person involved in the accident and record any information provided to you and photograph the scene.

What You Need To Do

1. Again your health and safety are superior so seek medical attention when necessary and obtain treatment to address your pain, discomfort or injury.
2. Once again, you will need to define the damage to your property because your vehicle may require assessment and repair or could even be way beyond repair.
3. As a result of the accident, the police officer at the scene may have issued a traffic citation which could be in 30-60 days.
4. Following the accident, you will need to notify your own insurance company along with the other driver’s insurance company. Typically insurance companies divide the responsibility of property damage and injuries – As a result, you will be contacted on many different occasions from several representatives from your insurance and the other drivers insurance company.

Now What?

Regardless of you being involved in a minor or serious accident, it is extremely important that you receive advice and information from a personal injury lawyer to help you understand your rights, responsibilities and choices of action. When you consult with a lawyer, it can shed some stress on the interaction of your health and auto insurance, medical payments coverage, and personal injury protective coverage. Once you receive help from a lawyer they can give you advice on whether you should speak to any insurance company and what steps you should take to preserve your claim. Even if you think you do not need a lawyer, obtaining legal advice on important decisions and deadlines which apply to your claim and understanding what you can and cannot do can be a lot of help to you.