You never know when you might find yourself on the side of the road with a fresh dent in your car. Unfortunately, about 6 million car accidents occur in the US each year. Chances are, you might find yourself in an auto accident at some point in your life.
Understanding collision coverage is crucial as it helps pay for damage to your vehicle resulting from accidents, such as hitting another car, being hit by another vehicle, or rolling over. This coverage ensures you are financially prepared in the event of a car accident.
It helps to prepare yourself before a crash. In fact, the steps you take immediately after a crash can impact your future.
Here are the seven steps you should follow after a commercial accident. Following these tips will help you cover your bases. You can even gather evidence to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Read on to discover what to do after an auto accident today.
Move to a Safe Area Nearby at the Accident Scene
It’s normal to feel confused or disoriented in the seconds after a crash. Try to take a breath and remain calm. It’s important that you react as soon as possible. Contact emergency services immediately after ensuring the well-being of all passengers involved in the accident.
Otherwise, remaining in the middle of oncoming traffic could increase the risk of another crash.
Instead, assess the vehicle. Make sure it’s safe to drive. If the brakes don’t work or fluids are dripping from the car, step away.
The police who arrive at the scene will provide you with further instructions.
If the vehicle is safe to drive, turn on the hazard lights and move it out of the way. Make sure to remain near the crash site. The police might want to know exactly where the commercial accident occurred.
While you wait for the police to arrive, make sure to remain at the scene of the crash. Otherwise, you might get into legal trouble by leaving. You don’t want the police to charge you with a hit-and-run.
Depending on the severity of the other party’s injuries, you could face criminal penalties if you flee the scene.
Instead, call the police right away.
In some states, you’re legally obligated to contact the police after a motor vehicle accident. Filing an official police report will benefit your legal future, too.
2. Assess Your Injuries
While you wait for the police to arrive, take a moment to assess your injuries.
Immediately after the crash, remain wary about moving too quickly. If you experience any neck or back pain, stay put. Wait for help to arrive.
Moving after you sustained a neck or back injury could lead to paralysis otherwise. If you or anyone else involved in the crash was severely hurt, call for medical attention.
About 4.4 million people are injured severely enough to need medical attention after a crash.
It's normal for adrenaline to mask the pain you're in during the initial moments after a crash. In fact, you might not notice the full extent of your pain until days or weeks afterward. With that in mind, it's important to visit a doctor right away.
Let a medical professional complete a full evaluation. They might send you to a pain specialist or chiropractor, too.
Keep track of your medical expenses, including which doctors you visit. Track the medications you're on and treatments you receive, too.
Tracking these expenses will ensure you receive the full compensation you're due. Otherwise, your commercial accident lawyer might struggle to calculate your losses.
3. Avoid Small Talk
As you wait for the police to arrive, try to avoid small talk with the other driver as much as possible.
It’s important that you avoid speaking out of anger. Anything you say could impact the situation in the future. Instead, use the time you spend waiting for the police to come to the scene to gather information.
For example, you’ll need the other driver’s:
- Name
- Address
- Phone number
- License plate and license number
- Driver's license
- Insurance information
It’s important that you avoid apologizing for the auto accident. Sometimes, an apology is seen as an admission of guilt. Instead, avoid small talk.
If anyone asks about your injuries, say only a medical professional can assess your health.
4. File a Police Report
Once the police arrive, give your statement. The police will file an official police report, which will act as evidence for your claim.
As you give your statement, it's important that you stick to the facts. Avoid embellishing. Don't make any assumptions about what happened, either.
The police will make a record of any:
- Property damage
- Injuries
- Deaths
Make sure you get the officer his driver's license number, name and badge number before they leave. Your car accident lawyer will need this information when building your case. They might want to contact the officer later, too.
Ask the officer if you can get a copy of the police report for your records as well.
5. Gather Evidence
While you wait for the police to arrive, make sure to gather evidence.
First, write down your recollection of what happened. Many people forget small details in the days after a commercial vehicle accident. Writing everything down will ensure you don’t forget any important details.
Note the:
- Direction you were driving in
- Direction the other driver was headed
- Weather and road conditions
- Date, time, and location of the crash
- Make, model, and year of the other vehicle
Additionally, include the policy number on the vehicle registration card as part of your documentation. Proof of insurance recorded on the vehicle registration card is crucial during legal proceedings such as traffic stops or accidents.
Take photo and video evidence as well. Your car accident lawyer can use this evidence when building your case.
6. Call Your Employer
If you were driving for work or using your vehicle for business purposes when the accident occurred, it’s essential to notify your employer as soon as possible. They and other vehicles may have specific procedures or requirements for reporting accidents, and they may need to be involved in the claims process. Be prepared to provide your employer with the following information:
- A detailed description of the accident
- The location and time of the accident
- The names and contact information of any witnesses
- The make and model of the vehicles involved
- The extent of any damage or injuries
Your employer may also need to provide you with information about their insurance coverage and any specific procedures for reporting accidents. It’s crucial to follow your employer’s guidelines to ensure that you comply with their requirements and to avoid any potential complications with your insurance claim.
Call Your Insurance Company
Contact your manager, insurer or employer while you're still at the scene of the crash. If you were driving a commercial vehicle, they'll let you know what steps to follow next.
Otherwise, call your insurance company as soon as possible. Some insurance companies require you to use an app. You can take photos from the crash site before filing a claim.
7. Call an Auto Accident Lawyer
Don't hesitate to contact an auto accident lawyer after your crash. They can help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
Choose a legal team with years of experience with automobile law. They'll have a better understanding of the laws that can impact your case.
With their help, you can cover the damages from the crash.
8. Working with Your Insurance Agent
Your insurance agent can play a crucial role in helping you navigate the claims process after a car accident. They can provide you with guidance on what to expect, help you gather the necessary documentation, and advocate on your behalf with the insurance company. Here are some tips for working with your insurance agent:
- Be honest and transparent about the accident and any injuries or damage
- Provide your agent with all relevant documentation, including the police report, witness statements, and medical records
- Ask your agent to explain the claims process and what you can expect
- Keep your agent informed about any developments or updates in your case
- Don’t hesitate to ask questions or seek clarification if you’re unsure about anything
Remember, your insurance agent is there to help you, so don’t be afraid to reach out to them for guidance and support.
9. Resolving Disputes
In some cases, you may disagree with the insurance company’s assessment of the accident or the amount of your claim. If this happens, it’s essential to know your rights and options for resolving disputes. Here are some steps you can take:
- Review your insurance policy to understand your coverage and any limitations
- Gather evidence to support your claim, including witness statements, medical records, and repair estimates
- Contact your insurance agent or adjuster to discuss your concerns and see if you can come to a mutually agreeable solution
- If necessary, consider hiring a lawyer or seeking mediation to resolve the dispute
- Keep detailed records of all correspondence and communication with the insurance company
Remember, resolving disputes can be time-consuming and frustrating, but it’s essential to advocate for yourself and your rights.
10. Understanding Your Rights
As a driver, you have certain rights and protections under the law. Here are some key things to keep in mind:
- You have the right to seek medical attention and treatment for any injuries
- You have the right to report the accident to the police and obtain a police report
- You have the right to contact your insurance company and initiate the claims process
- You have the right to seek compensation for damages or injuries
- You have the right to appeal any decisions made by the insurance company
It’s essential to understand your rights and options after a car accident. If you’re unsure about anything, don’t hesitate to seek advice from a lawyer or other qualified professional.
11. Seeking Additional Help
If you’re struggling to navigate the aftermath of a car accident, there are resources available to help. Here are some options to consider:
- Contact a lawyer or law firm that specializes in car accidents and personal injury
- Reach out to a non-profit organization that provides support and advocacy for accident victims
- Seek counseling or therapy to cope with any emotional or psychological trauma
- Contact your state’s department of insurance for guidance and information about your rights and options
- Consider hiring a professional claims adjuster to help you navigate the claims process
Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Don’t be afraid to reach out for support and guidance when you need it.
Don't Crash Your Case: 7 Steps to Follow After an Auto Accident
Knowing what to do after an auto accident can impact your future. After a crash, keep these seven steps in mind. Don’t forget to contact your insurance provider immediately to notify them and initiate the claims process. They will guide you through the necessary steps to ensure a smooth vehicle repair experience.
Understanding repair costs is crucial when reporting vehicle damages, as it affects the insurance company's assessment and will determine the compensation you will receive.
They’ll ensure you receive compensation for the crash.
Eager to discuss your case with an experienced team? We’re here to help.
Contact us today for a free case evaluation.
FAQs
Q1: What should I do immediately after a car accident?A1: Immediately after a car accident, move to a safe area if possible, assess your injuries, and call the police. It’s important to stay at the scene and gather information from the other driver, including their contact and insurance details.
Q2: Do I need to contact the police after an accident?A2: Yes, in most cases, you should contact the police after an accident. They will file an official accident report, which is crucial for any future insurance claims or legal proceedings.
Q3: How can I gather evidence at the accident scene?A3: You can gather evidence by taking photos of the vehicle damage and accident scene, noting the details of the incident (like weather conditions and vehicle directions), and writing down your recollection of what happened. Collect the other driver’s information as well.
Q4: Should I apologize to the other driver?A4: It’s best to avoid apologizing or making any statements that could be interpreted by other party as an admission of guilt. Stick to the facts and avoid discussing the accident details until the police arrive.
Q5: How can I file a claim to ensure I receive the compensation I’m owed?A5: To maximize your compensation, keep detailed records of all medical expenses, treatments, and lost wages. Consulting with an experienced auto accident lawyer can also help you navigate the claims process effectively.
Q6: What if I don’t feel injured immediately after the accident?A6: It’s common for adrenaline to mask pain after an accident. Even if you feel fine, it’s important to see a medical professional as soon as possible to evaluate any potential injuries.
Q7: When should I contact an auto accident lawyer?A7: You should contact an auto accident lawyer as soon as possible after the accident. They can guide you through the legal process, help you gather evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.
Q8: What is actual cash value and why is it important?A8: Actual cash value (ACV) is the local market value of a totaled vehicle at the time of the accident. It is crucial in determining the compensation you receive for a damaged or totaled vehicle. If there's a dispute regarding the ACV, an appraisal process can help resolve it.