What to Do After a Car Accident
Every year, millions are involved in car accidents in Washington State and elsewhere in the nation. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 40,000 people die on our nation's roadways and hundreds of thousands are seriously injured. Many of these injured individuals are victims of someone else's negligence. As Seattle car accident attorneys, we are well aware that your life can get extremely complicated in the aftermath of a car accident. You may have questions about your injuries, how to pay for medical bills, how to fix your car, talking to police, insurance adjusters and filing an insurance claim.
You will be wondering about all this as you are trying to recover from your injuries and get back to work. Dealing with all these issues after a car accident can be rather overwhelming and can leave you paralyzed when it comes to making decisions. That is why it really helps to know ahead of time what to do when you get involved in a car accident. We hope you are never placed in such a situation. But, when you are prepared for such a scenario, you will know exactly what to do if and when it occurs.
Here are a few useful tips and an action plan to deal with the aftermath of a traumatic car accident:
- Stop: The first thing you need to do when you get in an auto accident is stop. DO NOT make the mistake of driving away even if you believe it's just a minor accident or you believe that the accident was not your fault. You could face criminal hit-and-run charges if officials determine that you "fled the scene of the accident."
- Safety first: If you have been involved in a minor car accident and have not been seriously injured, you should move your car to the side of the road out of the way of oncoming traffic. If you are unable to move your car, all occupants should remain inside with seatbelts fastened until help arrives. It's always a good idea to keep items such as orange traffic cones, emergency flares and warning triangles in the trunk of your car in anticipation of such situations.
- The Importance of an Emergency Kit: It is extremely important that you carry certain items in your glove compartment that can come in very handy in the event of a car crash. A flashlight, disposable camera, emergency flares, set of cones, notepad and pen and batteries are all examples of items you will need. It also helps to have a card with information about any medical allergies or health conditions in case of serious injuries. Also, keep a list of emergency contact numbers for law enforcement agencies.
- Documenting the Accident: It's not an exaggeration to say that a picture is worth a thousand words, especially when it comes to accident scene photographs. You can draw diagrams until you run out of paper and describe a scene until you become hoarse, but nothing quite shows someone the accident scene like a photograph. When you take photos of the scene, you should focus on damage to vehicles, any injuries and the position of the vehicles on the roadway.
- Getting important information: After an accident, there is a lot of important information you would be well-advised to gather. This includes:
- Name of the parties involved
- Addresses, phone numbers, e-mail addresses
- Name of the insurance company
- Auto insurance policy number
- Driver license number (for each driver involved)
- Vehicle license plate number for (for all the vehicles involved)
- Written description of each car including the year, make, model and color
- Exact location of the collision
- Description of how it happened
Remember, never admit that the accident was your fault, even if you may believe at the time that it was your fault. Be polite to the other parties. Never get in a fight or altercation. Remain calm.
- Filing an Accident Report: All drivers must file a state vehicle accident report, which is available from the Department of Motor Vehicles or at police stations. You can even download this form from the DMV's Web site. Having this police report completed will help insurance companies speed up the claims process.
To summarize, there are a few critical points you should remember to make sure that your insurance claims process is smooth and without hiccups. Always be honest with the insurance companies. If you are injured, get medical attention right away. Be aware of where you are going for medical treatment and car repairs. Obtain comprehensive documentation to support your claim.
The guidance of an experienced Seattle personal injury lawyer can be invaluable in the aftermath of an auto accident, especially one that involves injuries. If you or a loved one has been involved in an auto accident in Washington, please contact The Bernard Law Group to obtain comprehensive information about your legal rights and options.
IF YOU, OR A LOVED ONE, HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN A CAR ACCIDENT IN WASHINGTON - CALL TODAY FOR A FREE CONSULTATION!
