When you have been involved in a car accident, the moments after can be confusing and scary. Whether you are at fault or not, it’s vital that you take action immediately to ensure the best possible outcome in your case. Taking the necessary steps after a car wreck can mean the difference between recovering full compensation for your losses and never seeing a penny. Here’s what you need to do:
What to do Immediately After a Car Accident
1. Call 911 Immediately
The first thing you should do after being involved in an auto accident is to call 911. If you or someone else is seriously injured, you must seek medical help immediately. Everything else can wait; the health of you or anyone else involved is always the first priority.
In addition to medical services, calling 911 ensures that the police will arrive on the scene quickly, which will result in a proper accident investigation and report. Plus, medical attention served immediately reinforced the damages suffered during the accident.
Note: If you have minor injuries, we recommend getting them looked at by your primary care physician after the EMTs give you the all-clear from immediate trauma. When you visit your physician, request detailed documentation of your injuries that you can submit to your attorney.
2. Stay at the Scene
After you have called 911, remain at the scene of the accident until the police tell you it is okay to go home. Leaving the scene too early can be considered evasion or fleeing the crime scene. Remember, you have the right to remain silent. Do not apologize or admit fault at any time, even if you think you are at fault, as it could be used against you later.
In many auto accident cases, it is found that multiple parties were at fault, so wait to speak about what happened until you have talked with your car accident lawyer. If an officer or witness asks you questions pertaining to the cause of the accident, ask for your attorney to be present. Even if they press you for details, remember that you are not withholding information but are taking action not to self-incriminate. You have the right to an attorney always.
3. Gather Information at the Scene
Once law enforcement arrives at the scene of an auto accident, they will usually interview any injured parties and get basic information from all of those involved (i.e., insurance info, contact info). We suggest asking for a copy of the police report. For personal injury claims involving another driver, having a police report is vitally important as more insurance companies require them before paying out any settlements or awards.
Additionally, if you are not a hindrance to the investigation or a danger to the area, we suggest you gather other relevant evidence, such as pictures of damages done to both cars and of any visible injuries sustained by anyone there – all of which can be used to support your claim later on. Ensure you keep those notes and pictures secure – we suggest backing them up to another source just in case something happens to your phone.
4. Consult with a Bellevue Car Accident Lawyer
For some, taking legal action following an auto accident may seem overwhelming – but it doesn’t have to be! Seeking legal counsel from experienced attorneys can make going through this process much less stressful and help give one peace of mind knowing that everything related to one’s case is properly handled.
Additionally, having legal representation often increases the odds of successful settlement resolution due to their knowledge surrounding applicable state laws and experience dealing with insurers directly during litigation. By calling a local Bellevue car accident lawyer, you can rest assured that your representation has in-depth knowledge of local and state laws pertaining to your case.
5. Let Your Attorney Talk to Your Insurance Company
After consulting with your attorney, you will want to inform your auto insurer of the accident. Rather than calling them yourself, we suggest letting your attorney take care of it for you. If your insurance company requires a direct statement, your attorney will advise you on when to submit your statement and what to say.
6. Be Open & Honest with Your Attorney
Remember, your attorney is representing your case. Be open and honest about what happened during the accident and how the accident may have caused you discomfort, injury, or limitations. There is no reason to “be tough” or “remain silent” with your attorney; they will do everything within their power to provide you with a successful outcome.
Your Bellevue Car Accident Lawyer – Roberts Jones Law
Involvement in an auto accident can be traumatizing, whether you are at fault or not. The immediate days following the accident can play a crucial role in the final outcome of the accident, but many people are not yet ready to process what has happened to them, and even if they are, they do not have the knowledge or experience to handle it properly.
Roberts Jones Law is your Bellevue car accident lawyer. Our experienced team of attorneys will help you through every step of your case, from gathering evidence to filing claims to representing you in court, should it come to that.
We have recovered million on behalf of our clients. If you have been involved in an accident, please contact us, your local Bellevue car accident lawyer. Our attorneys will manage all aspects of your case so you can concentrate on what’s most important, your recovery from this traumatic event. Give us a call or schedule a consultation with us right away!
