11 Steps to Take After a Motor Vehicle Crash

In recent years, there has been a rise in the people searching about what to do after a motor vehicle accident. 

While writing this blog, I came across quite a few surprising statistics. And guess what? You might think that road accidents are decreasing, but globally, more than 1.2 million people have died because of motor vehicle accidents and road injuries.

So what are some of the things that you need to do after you face a motor vehicle accident? what are the things that can save you legally?

Hi. In today’s blog, these are some of the things that I will be talking about. So, if you want to know about these, keep on reading this blog till the end, and thank me later…

What To Do After A Motor Vehicle Accident?

A vehicle mishap can be terrifying, so most victims become confused after an accident. Your well-being following an accident is paramount.

In addition, you may institute a personal injury claim if someone negligently caused the accident. The essence of the claim is to help you recover your losses.

If you decide to follow this route, the following steps are crucial:

Remain at the Accident Scene

Never leave a motor vehicle accident scene, no matter how intangible your fender-bender. It is dangerous to hit-and-run, as it could negatively impair your future claims or lead to criminal charges. 

Remain at the accident scene if it is safe. If not, look for a nearby safe place to stay until the police arrive.

If possible, put on your hazard lights. Escaping from the accident scene immediately after the incident is an indictment of you. 

Seek Medical Intervention

Conduct a quick check for injuries. If you have had no or minimal injuries, check on others involved in the accident to know if they require emergency medical treatment.

Avoid moving those with back pain or neck injuries because they need qualified medical attention. 

Not feeling injured initially should not stop you from seeking medical attention. Some motor vehicle accident injuries, especially those to the neck and back, often take a while to discover. 

Let a medical practitioner evaluate your situation quickly. If you decide to pursue a claim later, it will prove that you sought immediate medical attention. 

Call the Police or 911

Next on the list of what to do after a motor vehicle accident, is contacting law enforecment. For that, you can call the police or 911 if you or anyone else is involved in a crash.

Irrespective of the fact whether the accident is a minor one or a major one, it is best to keep everything in check medically, right?

even if you have been in a minor accident and od not thik that you have to call the ambulance, it is best that you get in touc with law enforcement. 

A law enforcement agent can assess the scene, speak to all concerned parties, and prepare an accident report. The police report is a crucial piece of evidence for your claim. 

Document the Police Investigation

Inquire about the names and badge numbers of the responding law enforcement officers. You can obtain a copy of the police report within days. 

Carefully read through the report to ensure it accurately captures what transpires at the scene. Since you will need the report to support your claim, you don’t want to tender an inaccurate report. 

Avoid Admitting Fault or Apologizing 

Avoid apologizing when interacting with other motorists involved in the crash or the police. Answer questions courteously and exchange information without indicting yourself. 

Even a polite expression like, “I’m sorry this occurred,” can be seen as an admission of guilt.

Get the Contact Details of the Other Motorist

Even if it is a minor mishap, it is still advisable to contact the other party and exchange information with the other motorist while awaiting the arrival of law enforcement. 

“One reason for exchanging information is to ease the insurance process. The details to share and gather include full names, mobile numbers, complete addresses, insurance claim details, insurance policy numbers, license plate numbers, and driver’s license numbers,” says personal injury attorney Jon D. Berman.

Collate Proof

Document the accident scene by taking pictures from different angles. Use your cell phone camera to record everything. Your insurance adjuster can use these pictures to determine fair compensation. 

Also, the photos could be helpful if the case proceeds to court. Get the names of witnesses, their addresses, and cell phone numbers, if there are any. 

Speak with a Personal Injury Lawyer

Personal injury law can be overwhelming for a layperson due to its complexities. Speaking with a reputable local personal injury lawyer before contacting your insurer is advisable. 

The attorney will dissect your case and give you a tailor-made solution. They will tell you the options available and how to maximize them for a favorable outcome. 

Contact Your Auto Insurer

Inform your insurance firm of the motor vehicle mishap and resultant injuries. Be honest and transparent to avoid unnecessary troubles or denial of automobile accident coverage.

Further, give your auto insurance firm a copy of the accident report for review with other relevant authorities. 

Do not jump at an early settlement offer without properly dissecting it. Seek the professional input of an attorney before accepting the offered settlement. Remember that once you accept the offer, you cannot make further claims again. 

Properly Document Everything

Get a journal and document everything relating to the crash. Precisely capture medical costs, interactions with the insurer, medical reports, lost earnings for missed work, and costs associated with the harm. 

What impact does the accident have on your daily activities? Record everything, as this will help prove the influence of the mishap on your daily life. 

Be Attentive to the Property Damage Estimation

Finally, it is important that you pay attention to the damage estimation. You can reject your insurance firm’s evaluation of the property damage to your car if it displeases you.

Get some independent quotes for replacement or repair. Your lawyer can be handy for property damage valuation. 

Wrapping It Up!

In conclusion, a reputable local personal injury lawyer is crucial to the claims process. I would advice you to focus on healing while your attorney handles the legal aspect.

In case you wanted to know what to do after a motor vehicle accident that can help you legally, I hope that this blog has been of help to you. If there are any other question that you want to know, please let me know in the comments below!

LEARN MORE:

• The Most Dangerous Types of Motor Vehicle Accidents
• How to Prove Liability in a Colorado Truck Accident Case
• The Role Of Insurers In Truck Accident Matters In California