Car accidents can occur all of a sudden. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 6 million motor vehicle collisions occurred in the United States in 2019, with 37,133 fatalities and 2.9 million injuries reported. Knowing how to react after an automobile collision is critical for one’s safety, as well as preserving evidence and seeking medical attention if necessary.
The first step is to be calm and examine the situation. This includes inspecting yourself and any other passengers for potential injuries, as well as analyzing the damage done to the vehicles involved in the incident.
Furthermore, it is critical to ensure that all occupants are protected from further harm as a result of oncoming vehicles or dangerous conditions at the incident site.
Next, if necessary, notify local authorities such as police officers or emergency workers, particularly if there are significant injuries or property damage worth more than $1,000. It is also recommended that individuals exchange information with others involved in the collision, such as insurance details, license plate numbers, driver’s license numbers, and contact information so that both parties can submit reports about the occurrence.
That said, this article will uncover five integral steps to take soon after an accident has occurred.
1. Consult an attorney
After a car accident, no one wants to consult an attorney as the first course of action. However, this circumstance may have long-term implications. A San Jose car accident attorney can help protect your interests in a bustling, highly populated city like San Jose, where traffic accidents are common due to heavy commuting and complex road networks.
A professional San Jose personal injury lawyer can handle insurance claims, legal issues, and California’s unique blame and culpability laws. San Jose lawyers know local laws and traffic patterns, so they can help you seek appropriate compensation for medical bills and property damage. If local lawyers can negotiate with insurance companies on behalf of citizens, this can often be done without lengthy court fights or costly settlements.
San Jose is part of the Bay Area, so you may have to deal with traffic-clogging and multi-vehicle crashes on the freeways. An attorney familiar with San Jose’s legal system can defend your rights and advocate for fair treatment in a place where accident claims might be more challenging due to local factors.
2. Make sure there are no injuries
The first crucial action after an accident is to move your vehicle and occupants to a safe location—on the shoulder of the road—away from fast-flowing traffic. Once the automobile is in a safe position, you should assess if you or the other occupants require immediate medical care. If this is the case, call 911 immediately to have an ambulance dispatched to the location of the accident.
Unless the accident is minimal, you and your passenger(s) should seek medical assistance after it occurs. Certain injuries may go unreported due to the adrenaline rush experienced at the site.
3. Document your findings from the accident
It is critical to have an official police report since it might help determine who was responsible for the collision. This report will be useful to the insurance company if you or the other party files an insurance claim. The report can also be used by the insurance company to evaluate who is at fault and how much compensation you are entitled to.
Finally, if you need to file a personal injury lawsuit because you are dissatisfied with the amount granted by the insurance company, this report will be valuable evidence in court.
4. Don’t admit fault
Following a car accident can be extremely terrifying. It’s so frightening that you want to apologize to everyone involved, even if you’re not to blame. A victim may believe they were to blame, but in truth, other circumstances contributed to the scenario. As a result, be cautious while communicating with police and other relevant parties to avoid accidentally accepting responsibility for the accident. This could jeopardize your ability to receive adequate compensation from your insurance company.
5. Decide whether to file an insurance claim
Car insurance is intended to financially safeguard you if you are involved in an accident. Unless you live in San Jose, you must carry a minimum amount of bodily injury and property damage liability insurance. Both liability coverages are designed to compensate another driver or their passengers if you are at fault in an accident.
Collision coverage on your policy will cover vehicle damage. In contrast, medical payments or personal injury protection coverage (if you have either) can assist in covering the expense of any injuries you receive. Regular health insurance will also help.
Whether it makes sense to bring a claim depends on:
- Who was at fault?
- The amount of damage to each driver’s vehicle
- Whether any mild or serious injuries happened.
- What kind and amount of insurance coverage do you have?
- What type and amount of insurance coverage does the other motorist have
If you plan to file a claim, contact your insurance carrier as soon as possible following the accident. Each insurance company has its claim filing method and a list of required information.
You should be prepared to present any documentation, such as a copy of the police report, photographs, and the other driver’s identification. Your insurance company will assign an adjuster to your case, who will analyze any damages or injuries and determine how much the insurer will pay to satisfy the claim.
The end note!
A car accident is a frightening experience. If you have one and are happily safe, make sure to follow the processes outlined above for the best results, which include clearing the road for other drivers, inspecting for damage, exchanging contact and insurance information, submitting a claim, and consulting an attorney. Following these procedures will make navigating the accident and its aftermath easier.
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