What to Do After an Auto Accident
Car accidents, no matter how small can have lasting effects on the people involved. A fender bender may make a more anxious driver, or a serious accident can cause traumatic injuries or death. No matter who is at fault of the accident, there are standard procedures one should take. These things will not only prevent further devastation, but they may also help with an insurance claim of personal injury case.
The very first step after getting into a car accident may depend on the severity of the situation. If after an accident, you are in immediate danger, get to safety if possible, and then call 911. If the accident happened and you are not in direct traffic and the car is safe to remain in, calling 911 should be the first step. Even for minor accidents where no one is hurt, calling the police is still recommended. An insurance company will want an accident report when you file a claim, and it is documentation that the accident happened.
While waiting for a police officer to arrive at the scene, collect insurance information from the other driver. When you file a claim, the insurance companies will decide which side pays damages. For the person who caused the accident, their insurance company would likely pay. Examples of this would be if the driver was texting and driving, driving while intoxicated, or driving recklessly.
If there were any witnesses to the accident, get their names and contact information. In a more populous area, there may be many people who could have witnessed the accident. An eyewitness account is beneficial because they are a third party with nothing to gain or lose from the results.
You likely will not forget that a car accident happened, but there may be details that will come in handy after the fact. Almost everyone has a phone that has a camera, so use it to document the scene. Take pictures of the damage of both vehicles, any injuries, road signs nearby, license plates, and the overall scene. Instead of struggling to remember details, you will have concrete evidence that may help your insurance claim and personal injury case.
Contact an Aurora Auto Accident Lawyer
Someone involved in an auto accident may have insurance claims denied, or pain and suffering from any injuries sustained. Following these steps will give your experienced Kane County auto accident attorney the materials they need to win compensation after an accident with a negligent driver. Call our office at 630-907-0909 to schedule a free consultation.
Source:
https://money.usnews.com/money/personal-finance/articles/2018-07-03/7-steps-to-take-after-a-car-accident
