If you’ve ever been in a car accident, you no doubt know how scary that can be. Many people ask what to do if they are in an accident. Below are the steps that should be taken.
The first and most important thing to do is to immediately call 911 so that the police and an ambulance can arrive on the scene to assess everyone’s medical condition. The police will also create an accident report, which may be needed at a later date to determine fault for purposes of insurance coverage. Law enforcement can also investigate the scene to determine the factors that contributed to the accident.
You should take pictures of the accident scene and of all of the vehicles involved. Most people can take pictures using smart phone technology. Pictures can helps show insurers the severity of the accident.
Exchange phone numbers and driver’s license and insurance information with all other drivers and passengers involved in the accident. Make sure you have the license plate state and numbers for all vehicles involved in the crash.
If witnesses are at the scene, obtain their contact information so that they can be contacted later if needed to discuss details surrounding the accident.
Take notes after the accident so that you can remember details. Gather this information for all drivers, passengers, and other witnesses.
If you are not taken to the hospital, see your primary care physician for follow-up care ASAP to make sure that you are in good health and don’t have any medical problems resulting from the accident that you weren’t aware existed.
Quickly contact us at 816-875-42860. We can then notify your insurer and the other drivers’ insurers of the accident and send out representation letters so that they don’t try and settle for as low as possible with you. Note, however, that if your insurer isn’t notified within the period of time specified in your policy, your insurer may not have any contractual duty to defend you or provide compensation.
Do not settle any property claims or injury claims with your insurer without first contacting us.
In the days and weeks that follow, keep taking notes about any pain you experience, the treatments you receive, and doctors you see for treatment.
We will obtain a copy of the police report and your medical records. Then leave the rest to us!
Tags: car accident
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