Ask anyone involved in a car accident, and you are bound to hear the experience described as stressful, scary, and likely complicated. Not only do car accidents have the potential of being all of those things, but they can also be costly.
Many people think carrying insurance and paying premiums is supposed to protect their bottom line if they get into an accident. To a certain extent, they do. But why are accidents so expensive even when you are not at fault? Unfortunately, insurance doesn’t always do everything you would like, mainly when insurance adjusters are tasked with protecting their insurance company’s bottom line, not yours.
Hiring an experienced car accident attorney means you have a professional who is only on your side, always looking out for your best interests. They will help deal with adjusters, explain what you need to know, and, most importantly, help secure the maximum settlement. Your car accident attorney will also make sure you complete the required actions throughout the process.
Here is a summary of what you need to do, as well as what you should do following a car accident:
Immediate Actions
- First and foremost, you must stop your vehicle if you have been in an accident. Check for injuries, including yourself and your passengers. If anyone is injured, call 911.
- Move to safety, then check for damage. Protecting yourself from further injury is essential depending on the type of roadway you are on. If it’s safe, move your vehicle out of traffic. Turn on your hazard lights and set up warning devices like flares.
- Call the police, even if an accident seems minor. They will document the scene and take statements from those involved. This will result in an official accident report later when you most need it. If the police do not arrive, could you go to the nearest police station to file an accident report? This is an important step, even if you are not at fault.
Next Actions
- Exchange information with the other driver(s)? The essential information you must provide and should collect includes names, contact information, insurance company names and policy numbers, and driver’s license numbers of all drivers involved.
- Jot down or take pictures of vehicle makes, models, and license plate numbers of all vehicles involved.
- Document the Scene: Take photos of the vehicles involved, any visible damages, and the overall accident scene. Note the time, date, weather conditions, and road conditions.
Post-Accident Steps
- Call a legal professional. An experienced car accident attorney can make a huge difference in getting a maximum settlement. Just to let you know, please don’t pay for a consultation with an attorney. Our legal professionals offer free, no-risk consultations. This means you are not obligated to hire us. If we offer to represent you, you will pay no fees until you win a settlement.
- You’ll need to let your insurance company know. Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible to start the claims process.
- Seek medical attention. Even if you feel fine, see a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries may only be immediately apparent or felt several hours or days later. Initial medical exams may become vital evidence if a claim is disputed or a lawsuit ensues.
- Plan for vehicle repairs. If your vehicle is not drivable, arrange for towing to a repair shop. Save all receipts for any out-of-pocket expenses you incur related to the accident.
Legal Steps
It cannot be overstated how important it is to find sound legal advice as soon as possible following a car accident. It can make all the difference in securing everything you are entitled to under the law.
By following these steps, you will not only protect yourself financially, but you will set yourself up for legal success. With the help of an experienced Stockton car accident lawyer, you can get on with your life and have the best chance of quickly picking up from where you were before the accident occurred.
Call our office at (209) 323-5126 for a free consultation. Our car accident attorneys are ready to help you move on from this situation.
