Tips for Action after a Car Accident

Car accident rates are increasing rapidly. You can drive safely follow the rules, and take all the safety measures, but some accidents are unavoidable

09:57 30 August 2019

When an accident happens, severe damage can occur to the human life and property. An accident is usually an emotional scene where people panic, get emotional, and thank the almighty for saving their lives. However, there are a few tips you should know in the case of car crashes.

Seek Medical Help Immediately

Make sure you and your co-passengers are fine, and no injuries have happened. If possible, check the other driver as well. Even if no injuries are observed, call an ambulance immediately because some injuries may not be visible from the outside. If you need medical attention and need to be taken in an ambulance, make sure you observe your surroundings like the license plate of the other driver, witnesses of the accident, and the number of people in the vehicle.

Exchange Information

If all your co-passengers and the driver and passengers of the other vehicle are uninjured, exchange your contact details and insurance details with the other driver. According to XXXX, the most important things you should exchange with the other driver are:

* Full name and contact details

* Location of the accident

* Type, model, and color of vehicle

* Driver's license and license plate number

* Insurance company and policy number

It is pointless to discuss the fault of the accident while talking to the other driver. When you file a claim, the adjuster who will review your claim will determine the defaulter by inspecting the damage caused, the information you provided, documentation supporting the accident like the police reports or photographs from the scene. The inputs of the other parties involved are also considered.

Document the Accident

To protect yourself from any legal suit, document the accident by taking a few steps mentioned below.

* You need to identify the officers. Once the police arrive, get their name and badge numbers.

* Get a copy of the accident report. You can ask for the copy from the officers who are in charge of the accident. The insurer may ask for the accident report when you file an insurance claim.

* Clicking pictures is important. You should document the accident in details and take pictures of every possible detail, including the damage caused to the vehicles, place of accident, license plates, etc. These pictures can be produced during the time of your claim process to help support your claim.

* You should also note the name, address, and other necessary details of other parties involved, including other passengers.

* You should interact with the witnesses. If you know any witness of the accident, note down their names and contact details.

Get in Touch with the Insurer and Start the Claim Process

You should give a call to your insurance agent while you are at the accident scene. You need to cooperate with him and tell him about the complete incident and your losses. If you do so, the claim process gets smoother as the insurer will guide you about what you need to do to process the claim. If you lie to the insurance company about anything, your claim request can get rejected as well. Therefore, tell them the truth and explain all the facts clearly.

Keep Track of Your Medical Treatment

If you take medical treatment after the accident, take note of all chiropractors, physiotherapists, doctors, and medical professionals who have been a part of your treatment along with each practitioner who referred you to the other. You should also request a copy of all medical bills and reports which can afterward be used to prove your medical expenses. Medical expenses can be recorded and documented easily but documenting the pain, suffering, and problems you have faced is not easy. Therefore, keep a record of how the accident has affected your life and the losses you bore.

Do Your Property Damage Valuation

Get your insurance company's damage valuation, and if you feel like the company has not appropriately valued your vehicle, don't give up. Get an independent replacement quotes or repair estimates and directly inform the adjuster for your concerns. You can also consider mediation, or you can also hire an attorney if you cannot agree on your car's value.

Hire an Attorney

If people were injured in the accident, your best move is to consult a skilled and experienced attorney. An attorney can not only defend you if you are at fault but also maximize your recovery. Moreover, many lawyers also work on a contingency fee basis and charge you only if you receive the settlement or damages have been awarded.

Conclusion

An accident can make even the most seasoned drivers panic, but following these steps can help you avoid unnecessary problems and worries. This way, you can focus more on working with your insurance company to get your settlements done quickly and smoothly.