What Should I Do After a Car Accident?
Annually there are about 6 million car accidents in the United States. California alone counts up for 500,000 of those accidents each year. That’s over 1,300 accidents a day in California. With that many accidents happening, you might find yourself in an accident at one point or another.
A car accident is stressful and overwhelming. Once the accident happens, it is crucial to take the right steps to ensure you are protected. When you are involved in an accident, your first concern should be your health. Then it is to file a claim to cover the expenses of your damaged vehicle and medical needs. It is crucial to take the right step to ensure you get the maximum compensation.
If you are involved in a car accident, contact Attorneys For All. We understand the emotional and financial toll an accident can have on your life. Since we know what’s at stake, we will fight relentlessly for the settlement you deserve. Call (281) 475-4535 to schedule a free consultation today.
Let’s go over a few essential steps to take following a car accident:
1. Call the police and emergency services.
Police will direct traffic away from the scene, ensuring the safety of everyone involved. The police officer can also draft an official accident report that can be used to make your case stronger. Additionally, they can coordinate with first responders to ensure all injured parties get essential medical care. They will also take statements from any eyewitnesses, which could be valuable later when making your claim.
2. Collect as much information as possible.
Get the other driver’s name, insurance details, and contact information. It is also essential to get the name and contact information of any witnesses. If possible, ask them to send you a text message with their statement of what happened. It is also wise to take down the name and badge number of the officer in charge of writing the report.
3. Photograph the area.
If you can walk and do not need immediate medical care, photograph all the vehicles involved in the accident. Take photos from all angles. Make sure to capture traffic signals, crosswalks, stop signs, and other crucial details that might help accident experts piece together what happened. Pictures don’t lie, and these will come in handy when your attorney is negotiating with the insurance companies.
4. Visit a doctor.
Even if you don’t feel any pain right away, it is crucial to get examined by a medical professional. With the shock of the accident and adrenalin rushing through the body, you might not feel any pain right away. Pain and injuries can get worse days after the accident. It is crucial to get checked by a medical professional right away to get proper treatment for any unseen injuries that you may have.
5. Call a Personal Injury Attorney
Contact a trusted attorney that specializes in accident cases. After leaving the scene, your first call should be to a lawyer. Some required evidence may be time-sensitive; it is wise to seek legal guidance and start building your claim as soon as possible.
Call (281) 475-4535 to schedule a free consultation today.
Speak with a lawyer before filing an insurance claim.
To get compensated after an accident, you must file an insurance claim. If you end up filing by yourself, some insurance companies might give you a minimal amount and close the case. When you hire an attorney, their team will work vigorously to negotiate with the insurance companies to get you additional compensation for:
- Future medical costs
- Lost wages from work
- Pain and suffering
- Vehicle repair costs
- And much more
It is imperative to contact an attorney before calling the insurance company. If you or a loved one has been in an accident, make sure to contact a trusted and experienced attorney. Our network of attorneys have years of experience dealing with accidents and personal injuries. They will negotiate with insurance companies to get you the medical help you need, cover expenses of your damaged vehicle, and get you the compensation you deserve. CALL US ANYTIME (281) 475-4535 or fill out a consultation form here to start the process.