It’s rare for anyone to anticipate being in a road collision. However, encountering an accident while driving is a prevalent event. In 2021, over 27,300 individuals suffered deaths or serious injuries in accidents. The overall human expenses for severe casualties in road accidents exceeded 3.5 billion pounds in 2020.
These incidents can happen suddenly, from minor bumps to severe accidents. Yet, shock, fear, or physical harm can often impede one’s ability to recall the necessary actions to take immediately afterward. We’ve compiled this guide as a useful prompt for following steps after a car accident.
Assess for Any Injuries and Relocate to a Secure Location
Upon immediate assessment, check for any injuries. In case of injuries, contact 911 to request emergency services and law enforcement at the site. Even in minor incidents where the other driver is cooperative, some states mandate contacting the police. This also ensures you have an official report for your insurance company, which will likely be requested.
If the vehicles are operational, guide them to the shoulder or a safe off-road location and activate the hazard lights. Ensure complete removal from the roadway to prevent potential collisions. If you possess flares or reflective emergency triangles, use them to signal other drivers. In the presence of a possible explosion risk, move all individuals away from the vehicle to a secure area off the road.
Contact a Seasoned Personal Injury Lawyer
Numerous factors may prompt you to contact a car injury lawyer in Birmingham. If you believe that the compensation offered by your insurance falls short of addressing your medical expenses, vehicle repair costs, and lost income, it may be necessary to seek legal advice.
Additionally, a situation where initially minor injuries escalate in pain days after the accident, resulting in higher medical bills than anticipated, could also warrant legal consultation. If you are contemplating filing a personal injury claim, engage a lawyer to guide your available legal avenues. Undertaking legal action requires professional assistance and should not be pursued independently.
Exchange Information
After the collision, ensure to share the following details: addresses, names, contact numbers, insurance provider information, policy numbers, driver’s license details, and license plate numbers for both the driver and the vehicle owner in each party involved.
If the driver’s name differs from the insured individual, clarify their relationship and record the names and addresses of all individuals. Additionally, provide a written description of each vehicle, specifying the year, make, model, and color. Describe the precise collision location and circumstances. Maintain courtesy, but refrain from admitting fault to other drivers or law enforcement, regardless of your perceptions of the event.
Avoid Confessing Fault and Maintain Your Composure
Refrain from assuming fault immediately after an incident until you clearly understand what transpired and led to the accident. Even expressing remorse could potentially incriminate you, although it does not serve as a legal admission of culpability; such statements could be used against you in case of a claim.
Stay composed and resist any attempts from the other party to coerce you into accepting responsibility. A dispute by the roadside will only exacerbate the situation. Instead, inquire about injuries and suggest exchanging information. This shifts the focus to the other party and directs the conversation towards practical matters rather than engaging in a blame game. Allow the authorities and insurance companies to review the evidence to ascertain liability.
Opt for the Advanced Technological Approach
Numerous insurance providers offer digital tools, such as mobile apps, for initiating online claims. For guidance, refer to your insurance card or contact the toll-free number provided. Forbes recently curated a guide detailing online claims processes of leading insurance firms, making it convenient for drivers to access this information.
Your insurer will request extensive accident details and might suggest using a smartphone-based remote inspection tool. In addition to recording crash information, certain insurers can dispatch a tow truck, arrange for a rental car, or offer roadside assistance via their app. Communicate with your insurance provider after submitting the accident report, organize all accident-related documents, and collaborate with your adjuster on claim processing.
Notify Your Insurance Provider About the Accident
Inform your insurance provider of any accidents within 24 hours, irrespective of fault or your claim intentions. It’s advisable to share your perspective with your insurer promptly to safeguard against potential claims from the other driver. Your insurer will take charge of managing the claim process. If contacted by the parties involved or their insurers, kindly direct them to liaise with your insurance company.
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Endnote
In handling a personal injury claim, the key is to prioritize fairness and optimal recovery chances over monetary considerations. If you have sustained injuries due to someone else’s negligence, it is crucial to promptly seek assistance from a skilled attorney.
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