Road accidents do happen often. The accident may not have even been caused by poor driving or failing to follow the road rules. There are many reasons why people get involved in accidents. However, the most important thing is to know what to do when an accident complicates your road trip. Below are tips to guide you through.
Call for Medical Help
Prioritizing your health is vital. It is the first thing you need to do if you have sustained injuries from a road accident. Call your doctor immediately to determine your medical condition. Your doctor will assess your condition, provide you with the necessary treatment, and advise you on the next medical steps that should be taken.
Record the Scene
Once you feel better, take note of how the accident happened if you can recall anything. You will use any evidence that you have collected when filing for car accident claims for injuries and damages. Making these claims as soon as possible will yield the best results. Waiting too long to make a claim can cause the statute of limitations to expire which may prevent you from proceeding with your case. Take note of how the accident happened, the name and car number of the other driver, the accident location, and the other driver’s insurance.
Contact the Police
It is advisable to call the police to the accident scene. Police will take over the case and will determine the cause of the accident. Take the name and badge number of the officers that arrive. You may need the information later when filing the case.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Now that you have evidence, you should contact your insurance company and inform them about the incident. You can explain what happened but always explain to your insurer that you have recorded evidence and have taken photos and videos of the accident.
The insurance company will use this information to determine who needs to pay for the damages or injuries sustained during the accident. Remember, you should call your insurer as soon as possible. Delayed reporting can complicate the case and can prevent you from getting your claims.
Talk to Your Lawyer
If you do not understand road accident laws, it’d be best to work with an experienced lawyer who can help you run the case. The process can be draining, challenging, and frustrating, and you may give up along the way if you decide to do it alone. Because of that, companies like Cohen, Garelick & Glazier can help you and lead the process for you.
Also, you can get compromised by the insurer and end up getting lower claims than what you ought to get. Working with an experienced lawyer will relieve you of stress and can help create a seamless process for you.
The most important thing after getting involved in a car accident is to report immediately. Earlier reporting can ease the process and also get you compensated on time.