In this article, we break down what needs to be done after a car accident. Lobb Law has posted several articles and information regarding this, in case you missed them.
Your Checklist: What You Need to do Immediately After A Car Accident
(The printable checklist is at the bottom of this article)
So you’re driving down the road and WHAMMO!, you get hit. Surprise! Nobody expects this to happen, but it does.
A good majority of road crashes are a result of human errors, such as distracted driving, overspeeding, drunk driving, and so on. Car accidents put the life of the driver and everyone on board at risk. And in some cases, it has also led to the loss of lives and properties.
The worst part about this is people do not stay informed about their rights and what to do. Don’t be those people. Keep reading and remember, we have your parents on speed dial.
Well, instead of staying confused, afraid, or disoriented while at the scene of the car accident, here are the important things to do to protect your interest and that of your loved ones.
What Should You Do Next?
If you already have a car accident lawyer, like Lobb Law, on hand then these next steps would be an easy breeze for you because they would be on standby to guide you on the right steps to take after the accident.
1. Check That Everyone Is Safe
After getting over the first few seconds of shock, check around to be sure those involved are also doing okay. This next step is very important, so I made it bold. Don’t laugh! People make the mistake of not doing this:
You’ll need to call the police and report what has just happened.
In most cases, some people are quick to forget this step and end up having issues filing a claim because many insurance providers are unlikely to cover an auto accident that does not have a police report backing it up.
To remain on the good side of your insurer, file a police report, and while at it, let them know whether a person was injured during the accident or not. If you don’t and assume everyone is ok and end in the hospital with injuries that did not present themselves at the time, you may be out of luck. Think of all the unpaid work you will be losing. Stop crying, it’ll be ok if you follow these steps.
2. Get Enough Evidence
This is very important! Since it seems like everyone likes taking photos of their personal lives and posting them on social media, you should already be a pro at taking photos. So, before leaving the scene of the accident, please make sure you take photos of the scene. If you are unable to take them, ask a bystander to help. But please don’t post these on social media, as it could affect your claim…And you may want to keep them out of the family album too.
The photos should include the injuries sustained, all the damages done to the vehicles involved, a good view of the environment and possible landmarks surrounding the scene, license plates, and the good-looking cop involved, for later review.
These pictures are best taken while the accident is still fresh, as it’s enough evidence to help you get through in case of any legal battles. You may need these pictures while filing an official police report and when you need to make a claim.
3. List Of Information To Collect:
The other driver is not hitting on you by asking for your information. They are doing precisely what you should be doing. Here’s a short list:
About The Other Driver’s Insurer:
Get the insurance policy number and the insurance company name. Use your handy dandy phone to take a photo, if it’s not buried somewhere in your car after the accident. Just make sure you get the information.
About The Other Driver:
You’ll need to get the address of the other driver, with their name and phone number.
About The Other Vehicle Involved In The Accident:
- Write down the license plate number. You should take a picture of it as well. (We know you know how to do this, I’ve seen your Facebook page.)
- Get the vehicle registration information.
- Write down the vehicle model, year, make, and description. Don’t forget to take very clear pictures to support your note. (The phone has autofocus. Clear pictures are easy.)
About The Scene Of The Car Accident:
- Write down the date, address, and time the accident occurred.
- State the route you were taking, as well as the direction the other driver was driving in.
- Make notes of everything you remember about the accident. It’s always better to do this early, so you do not forget the important points. If you are like me and have a mind like a sieve, you’ll lose the info the minute you see something shiny. It’s good to write things down ASAP.
Did you get injured in an accident? We’ll get you the compensation you deserve.
NO FEE until we win! For a free consultation, call 248-591-4090 today!
What To Do If You Sustained Injuries In The Accident
In the event that you get injured in a car accident, let the doctors know, even when the injury looks minor.
Some motor vehicle accident symptoms have underlying effects that surface after a few days, but with the help of your doctor, you can get examined and access proper medical care.
A professional injury lawyer will be a great asset to you when something goes wrong. While at the accident scene, if you have one, you should contact them, as they may want to see the injuries and gather enough evidence in your favor. (Hint hint. Nudge Nudge. Lobb Law)
Do You Need A Car Accident Lawyer After An Accident?
As much as you’ll need to inform your local police and insurance company in the event of a car accident. It’s also very important to keep your car accident lawyer informed every step of the way.
An experienced injury lawyer will provide professional guidance and help present evidence in your favor. Let’s just say they fight legally to protect your interest and ensure you get all that is rightfully yours. They have the know-how to outsmart those people trying to keep you from what’s rightfully yours. In the case of a lawsuit, your attorney will be there to keep things on the right path before the statutes of limitations comes into effect.
Hopefully, this will help you prepare in case you are in an accident. It’s always a good idea to know what to do BEFORE an accident. No worries if you are reading this after having one. We’re glad you are. If you have any further questions, we are here to help. Don’t hesitate to call us today.
Downloadable, Printable Checklist
Don’t forget to download our checklist, print it out, and put it in your glove box, just in case!
