3 Steps to Take After a Car Accident That Was Not Your Fault
A car accident can be extremely traumatic. No matter if you sustain injuries or not, the emotional aspect of a wreck can leave you in a state of shock. Some people are even scared to get behind the wheel again. If you are injured, you are likely facing medical expenses and may miss work. Most people know to do things after an accident such as take down the other driver's information and contact the insurance company. However, there are several things that you should do immediately. Here are three steps you should take after a wreck, especially when you are not at fault for the incident.
1. Seek Immediate Help
If you or someone else has been seriously injured, call 911 right away for emergency medical help. Your safety and the well-being of all those involved should be the main priority. Once everyone is deemed safe, you should also call:
- Local law enforcement: A police report should be filed detailing what happened. This is a great way to capture information for both the insurance company and any legal proceedings that may follow.
- Your insurance company: Filing a claim right away can help you secure at least some of the compensation you will need to begin recovering from the accident.
2. Take Photos
If you are unable to take pictures yourself, ask if another passenger or witness can. Photos can capture necessary evidence needed for insurance claims or a lawsuit. Be sure to take pictures of:
- All of the vehicles involved in the accident
- Any surrounding property damage
- Skid marks, bent guardrails or any other scenery related to the accident
If you or your passengers have injuries, you may consider getting pictures of them if and when it is appropriate. This may involve taking photos while at the hospital or during recovery. An accident attorney can help you determine if photos will be a necessary part of your case.
3. Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
If you suffered injuries and property damage as a result of a negligent driver, get in touch with an attorney who specializes in personal injury law. Through filing such a claim, you may receive damages to cover the cost of items such as:
- Medical expenses
- Wages you missed by not being able to work
- Property loss
Beyond those items, many victims also receive compensation for other hardships, such as pain and suffering or emotional distress. If your injuries keep you from enjoying your daily activities or even go so far as preventing you from maintaining relationships with other people, a court may award you money. Your best bet it to contact an attorney as soon as you can. That way, the lawyer can focus on building your case and you can focus on healing.
A car accident can be a very serious situation. The more you do to document what has occurred, the better your chances are at recovering compensation, either through an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit. Make sure you have gotten in touch with all the necessary parties, including law enforcement, your insurance company and a qualified attorney. Take pictures of whatever you can and trust a reputable car accident lawyer to help you get the money you need for your recovery. If you are in the Southern California area and in need of a personal injury attorney, contact AA Accident Attorneys.
