Over 2 million fatal vehicle collisions in America cause more than 38,000 people to lose their lives each year. Unfortunately, preventing them is not always in your control. You cannot predict when car accidents can occur. However, you can prepare yourself if you face such a regrettable situation.
How Can Lawyers Help
Car accidents are the 8th most common cause of death in the U.S. They can result in fatal injuries and damage, which can be extremely costly. Usually, your insurance would cover this cost. However, these companies have a fluctuating denial rate from as low as 2% to climb up to 50%. They can deny your compensation claim and not give you the money you need to pay for your car and medical bills. It can cost around $500 to $10,000 to repair your vehicle alone and a further $15,000 for your treatment.
You must contact a lawyer to prevent insurance companies from denying your claim and have them cover part of your expenses. Typically, insurance companies expect a report of the accident immediately. By getting legal aid, you can provide proper evidence and statements. It would also be wise to contact an attorney in case of a fatal car crash that has seriously injured you and caused irreparable damage to your vehicle.
Having a contact at hand would be beneficial if you live in accident-prone areas. Suppose you live in an overcrowded city like Chicago. In 2022, out of the 1,151 fatal car accidents in Illinois, 400 were in Chicago alone. If you’ve been a victim of a car accident, consult with trustworthy law firms, like Thomas Law Offices, to protect your rights. These professionals can help you assess your case and determine how much compensation you can get. They will guide you through the process of car accident claims and provide expert answers to any questions you may have. It would be best to reach out to them right after your accident to increase your chances of getting justice.
The time after an accident is the most crucial. After the initial shock wears off, here’s what you need to do.
1. Follow Safety Procedures
Immediately after a collision, pull your car to the side of the road if your vehicle is functional and use emergency flashers to alert oncoming traffic. Once you have removed yourself from being a potential road hazard, you must check for injuries. Your well-being should be your priority. You can expect the following symptoms:
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Headaches
- Numbness or tingling
- Bruises
- Tinnitus
You may also experience some symptoms after a while. However, alert your doctor immediately if you experience abdominal pain because it can indicate internal bleeding. If you have passengers, then make sure they are alright. In the case of children, if you have strapped them in a car seat, avoid removing them because they may have injuries you cannot see. You should contact the first providers and wait for them instead.
2. Call the Police
Even if the accident isn’t fatal and you are unharmed, it is still a good idea to contact the police and call an ambulance. You will need to make a report for insurance, and you may need first aid. You may feel like calling the police is unnecessary, but it is a requirement in some parts of the U.S. In states like Illinois, it is mandatory to call the police after an accident unless no one is injured and there is less than $1,500 worth of damage.
When the authorities arrive and ask you about the crash, be upfront about the details. Only speak facts and don’t make assumptions. Similarly, avoid saying no when providers first ask if you’re hurt and unsure. Instead, tell them the exact truth. Most of the time, people don’t feel any pain from the accident until hours later.
3. Gather Information
Gathering information is essential to help build your insurance claim. Start by getting the other driver’s name, address, and phone number. It would help if you also asked for their insurance company number. However, only talk to them if they are safe and acting calm. If they display aggressive behavior, lock yourself in the car and wait for the authorities to arrive.
When talking to them, limit your conversation to the exchange of information. Do not admit fault or say anything that can be held against you. If possible, you can also ask for the contact details of witnesses for their testimonials. Remember to note down their vehicle type, color, and model for your insurance claim. You should also know the exact location of the accident.
4. Take Pictures of The Scene
Taking pictures and videos of the scene ensures you secure valuable evidence. You should take photos of your car from multiple angles in case of severe damage. Take close-ups and photograph the surrounding area. Give your pictures a sense of scale by placing objects near dents or scrapes to make the extent of damage more transparent. If you have sustained physical injuries, you should also document those to file an injury claim. It would be best to take pictures of other evidence, such as license plates and the police report. The more photographs you gather, the better you preserve the essential details to analyze later.
5. Make an Insurance Claim
You should contact your insurance company right after the crash to expedite your claim process. You’ll explain what happened and who was involved, where it happened, and other details. They may also be able to assist you with other procedures part of your policy, like sending a tow truck for your vehicle.
Your insurance company will give you a form to file your claim, which you can do in person or online. Many insurance companies now provide remote options for more convenience. You can do so by downloading your insurer’s mobile app and uploading pictures of the damage to get a repair estimate. These apps help you get your claim faster and get your insurance company to deposit in your bank account.
Conclusion
Even the best driver can be involved in crashes sometimes. You can’t stop bad situations from ever happening. However, you can control how you react to them. Knowing what to do after an accident can help you act fast and make critical decisions. You should look forward during these times and avoid blaming yourself. Accidents happen, but you must keep a calm demeanor to handle the aftermath properly.