Car accidents can be traumatic events. If you’re involved in a crash that occurred through no fault of your own, you may feel unsure about how to proceed.
Keep reading or click URL here for more tips on personal injury law and to get the answers to your burning questions after a car accident that wasn’t your fault.
Is calling the police a good idea?
If you’re involved in an accident that is not your fault, call the police. It doesn’t matter if your accident was a fender bender. Having an official police report can help you hold the other driver liable for your damages.
After an accident, it can be much safer to call the police and tell the responding officer the truth about what happened. The officer will suggest who is at fault in the official report, and the at-fault driver will be issued a citation. Obtaining a police report can help speed up your claims process.
What information should I gather at the scene of my car accident?
The information you collect at the scene of your accident can help you navigate the insurance claim process. Before you leave the scene of an accident, make sure you collect the following information:
- The make, model, and color of the other driver’s vehicle
- The names and contact details of the passengers in the other driver’s automobile
- The names and contact details of witnesses of the accident
- The other driver’s insurance and policy information
- The other driver’s name and contact information
- The responding officer’s name, contact information, and badge number
- Other pertinent information including pictures and videos of the scene, weather conditions, and any other information you can remember about the accident
What you discuss at the scene can hurt your claim. It’s vital to only speak to the other driver about the information above that you’re trying to obtain. Don’t discuss who is at fault in the accident until you speak with the police and your insurance company.
Do I need to go to the doctor after my accident?
Yes, you should seek medical care after a car accident. Personal injury law professionals recommend that you seek medical care after a car accident, even when you don’t feel any pain. Delayed presentation is normal for car accident injuries like concussions, spinal damage, soft tissue injuries, and whiplash.
It’s also imperative that you see a doctor to be screened for fractures and internal injuries. Internal injuries that involved bleeding or swelling could be fatal if left untreated.
Call a medical practice with the experience necessary to treat your car accident injuries.
I’ve been in a car accident, what happens next?
To recover some semblance of a normal life, your car may need repairing. Keep all the documentation for your car repairs and car rental services because you’ll need it to defend your claim.
As you repair your car, your body and mind may need repairing as well. If you’re injured in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, it’s important to gather all the documentation related to the following:
- Copies of your medical records
- Physician notes
- Physical therapy
- Medical bills
- Imaging studies
- Prescription labels from medications
- Mental health treatment
- All other treatments you were prescribed.
It’s also important to take good care of yourself during your recovery process. Car accidents can tremendously impact your physical, mental, emotional, social, and financial health.
