4 Things to Do After a Car Accident

Car Accident Lawyer

You got in a car accident and now your head is spinning with what to do next. If the accident wasn’t your fault, you may be able to file a claim with the guilty driver’s insurance, but where do you start? Though the claims process can be complicated, there are things you can do following the accident to ensure a smooth transition from filing your claim and getting compensated. Here are four things you shouldn’t wait to do after the accident.

Assess the Situation

Make sure that everyone who is in the accident isn’t seriously injured. Call the police even if no one appears to be hurt. A police report is necessary in some states to file a claim, and it can be an authoritative stance on who was responsible for causing the wreck if disputes come up during the claims process. Keep everyone on the scene until police arrive, and get insurance and contact info from the other driver while you wait. You’ll need it to call their insurance and file a claim.

Call Your Insurance Company 

Regardless of who is at fault, you should always contact your insurance company shortly afterward to let them know about the accident. They can advise you on what to do next. They may also ask for details about the accident.

See a Doctor

You should always get checked out by a physician after an accident. The adrenaline rush you experience at the scene may prevent you from realizing you are injured, and signs may not emerge until later. A doctor can verify your condition and provide a report that links the accident to your injuries. This is essential for a personal injury claim.

Contact a Lawyer

You can contact a lawyer, like a car accident lawyer from Patterson Bray, at any time while your claim is being processed. If you don’t think you need a lawyer right away, you can start by yourself and consult one down the line if issues arise. Insurance companies may try to pay you less than you’re owed, which can be a good time to see a lawyer. If your case involves a lot of money or there are problems identifying fault at the beginning, consider seeking out a lawyer’s help right away.

While there is no limit on when you can hire a lawyer, there is a deadline for when you can file a claim. Check your state laws for a statute of limitations to ensure you don’t miss your chance.