10 Tips for After a Car Accident
Accidents happen unfortunately, even to the safest drivers. Car accidents can be very stressful. Dealing with car insurance companies, lawyers, and not to mention injuries is not something the average person enjoys. However, there are ways to help reduce stress in these very chaotic situations.
1. Stay Calm
The first thing you should do after an accident is to remain calm, although accidents are very scary it’s
best you remain as calm as possible, stop and try to obtain as much information as you can about what just occurred.
2. Stay at the Scene
It is very important to never leave the scene of the accident until it’s appropriate to do so. You can start
by turning your flashers on, setting flares to alert others that will caution them to stay at an appropriate distance. Be sure to check for injuries and to make sure everyone involved is safe, if you leave the scene of an accident and someone is injured or killed it will result in criminal penalties.
3. Call the Police
If there’s any damage to the vehicles involved including minor damages such as fender- benders,
injuries or deaths you need to inform the proper authorities, this is very important. File a police report if necessary.
4. Exchange Information
Be sure to record names, addresses, driver’s license numbers, as well as insurance information of those
involved in the accident, it’s very important that all parties involved are cooperative and cordial this will allow a much smoother process when dealing with insurance companies and authorities. Make sure you do not apologize for your participation in the accident you may be admitting to legal liability.
5. Check for Witnesses
Ask any or every witness who saw the accident and write down their contact information, you will find
that this is very helpful in case you must go to trial and is helpful for your insurance companies.
6. Make Accurate Record of the Accident
It is very important to make an accurate record of the accident so when the police arrived they know
exactly what happened or at least to the best of your knowledge.
7. Take Pictures
If you have access to a camera or cell phone you should take pictures of the vehicles involved in the
accident to give an accurate representation of the extent of damage done in the accident. You should also take pictures of any physical injuries.
8. Inform your Insurance Company of the Accident
Be sure to notify your insurance company as soon as possible of your accident. Be truthful and cooperative. If your insurance company later finds out that you lied about any claims involving your accident it could result in a minor misdemeanor or denial of coverage.
9. Seek Medical Attention
In some cases, injuries that occur in motor vehicle accidents may not become apparent directly
after the accident and clients will start to notice pain up to a few days after. You should seek proper medical attention, whether it’s at a local hospital or family doctor. Ignoring signs of injury can result in serious health issues in the future.
10. Consider Hiring an Attorney
Protecting your rights is one of the most important things you can do. Hiring an attorney is beneficial especially when dealing with insurance companies who require you to make an immediate statement after an accident, in most cases clients tend to give statements without being properly advised by a legal counsel. Many personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning the lawyer only receives a fee if you receive a settlement or are awarded damages.
About Walton + Brown LLP
Walton + Brown, LLP takes pride in having a successful civil rights and personal injury practice, unafraid to step into a courtroom and litigate cases to the fullest extent necessary. With over 440 lawsuits filed and over $14 million in settlements or verdicts won for our clients, Sean and Chanda bring a record of success. Sean and Chanda have been awarded Top 100 and Top 40 Under 40 designations as trial attorneys. They practice in many areas of civil rights and serious personal injury litigation, including auto, trucking, bus and motorcycle accidents, wrongful death, medical malpractice, products liability, premises liability and other instances where someone has been injured due to the actions or negligence of another.
CONTACT
Walton + Brown, LLP
395 E. Broad Street, Suite 200
Columbus, OH 43215
614-636-3476 (Office)
614-636-3453 (Fax)
info@waltonbrownlaw.com