Dealing with a Car Accident: An Action Plan
Posted on August 22, 2017 Written By: iadminlaw
Being involved in an auto accident can be disorienting, to say the least. In the aftermath of the accident, there is much that needs to be done to prevent further injury, to expedite the claims process, and to get back on the road as seamlessly as possible. It can all seem overwhelming, but our California car accident lawyers have put together a quick action plan.
Your Car Accident Action Plan
Here are the steps our California car accident attorneys recommend.
Always have an emergency kit in your car. Nobody wants an accident to happen, of course, but you’ve still got to be prepared for them, just in case. Use your glove box to stash an emergency kit. Include a pen and paper for taking down information after a collision; a list of medical allergies or conditions that paramedics might need to know about; a list of contact information, including your car accident attorney of choice; a flashlight; and perhaps some minor First Aid items.
Make safety your top priority. Assuming your accident is a minor one, you should always try to pull your car to the side of the road, out of the way of oncoming traffic. Turn on hazard lights and set out emergency cones or flares, if you have them.
Always exchange information with the other drivers. Make sure you get the name and contact information of the other motorist(s) involved, plus any witnesses to the accident. Also get the name of the insurance company that the other driver uses. You can and should be polite when dealing with the other drivers, but don’t ever apologize or admit to fault—even if you do think the accident was your fault.
Call the police. Even for minor accidents, it’s wise to get the police on site to file a report. This prevents there from being any disputes over the basic facts of the accident.
Take pictures. Document the accident thoroughly; make sure your photographs capture the locations of the vehicles (if possible), the areas of damage, and the license plates. Also write down any other pertinent facts or observations you have; you never know what might come in handy when you file a claim.
Know the details of your insurance. Knowing what your insurance policy does and doesn’t cover is a helpful first step in getting your claim resolved. Get out your policy and review it thoroughly.
Seek legal help. If you need help understanding the policy, tangling with an uncooperative insurer, representing your interests in court, or expediting the claims process in any way, reach out to a car accident law firm, like I Accident Lawyer.
Learn More About Our California Auto Accident Attorneys
The team at I Accident Lawyer has one mission: To work on behalf of anyone who has been injured in a car accident. To learn more about our practice areas, we invite you to call I Accident Lawyer at 800-920-0810 right now. We’re always standing by to help.
