Even a seemingly minor automotive accident can have long-lasting consequences. For example, even if your vehicle only incurs minor damage, there’s a chance that you’ll be afflicted with injuries that will prove problematic for years to come. So, if you ever find yourself injured as a result of another driver’s negligence, it’s only fitting that you start seeking due compensation at your earliest convenience. To help make this process less daunting, put the following tips to good use.
Promptly Alert the Authorities
There’s no upside to not making local law enforcement aware of a car accident. For starters, failing to do so may place you in violation of the law, given that most states require residents to call the police in response to any accident resulting in property damage or personal injury. Secondly, if you have any hope of successfully filing an insurance claim or taking the responsible motorist to court, you’ll need an official police report of the incident – which you won’t be able to get if you refuse to alert law enforcement.
Promptly Document Your Injuries and Damage to Your Vehicle
The sooner you document your injuries, the clearer their severity will be to police, insurance agents and other relevant parties. So, provided you’re able to do so without creating additional pain or discomfort, promptly inspect yourself for injuries and photograph any that you come across. Of course, if doing so stands to exacerbate your injuries, don’t force yourself. Instead, simply wait for the arrival of police and emergency services.
In addition to photographing your injuries, you should get some pictures of any damage done to your vehicle or the surrounding area – again, provided you’re safely able to do so. As is the case with injury photos, these pictures can prove tremendously helpful to anyone who’s looking to file an insurance claim or settle the matter in court.
Promptly Record Your Version of What Happened
Having a clear accounting of your version of events will help provide relevant parties with a solid idea of what transpired. As such, you’d do well to record your recollection of the accident at your earliest possible convenience. Since there’s a good chance you’ll be unable to formally type up a report at the scene, make a voice-recording of your version of events that you can transcribe at a later time.
Exchange Insurance Info with the Other Motorist
There’s a good chance that your medical expenses and vehicle repair costs will be covered by the responsible party’s insurer. That being the case, you should avoid leaving the scene without exchanging insurance information with this individual. Additionally, if they refuse to provide this info or attempt to ignite a verbal or physical altercation, simply refuse to take the bait. Instead, request that the police obtain this information for you upon their arrival.
File an Insurance Claim
Once you have a copy of the accident report, assorted pieces of evidence and the responsible party’s insurance info, you’ll be able to file a claim with their insurer. However, before doing so, take care to touch base with your own insurer and make them aware of the accident. Once they have all the facts of the case, they may opt to file a claim on your behalf.
Get in Touch with a Good Attorney
If you’re unable to collect proper restitution from the responsible motorist or their insurer, you may need to reach out to a good attorney. A lawyer with ample experience working with car accident victims and a proven track record of success can be an invaluable ally to anyone looking to be made whole in the wake of an accident. Residents of the Mile High City who have incurred brain injuries resulting from automotive accidents should get in touch with skilled, knowledgeable Denver brain injury lawyers.
A car accident is never something to be taken lightly. Even accidents that seem relatively minor can result in considerable injury and expensive vehicle damage. That being the case, there’s little wonder as to why so many accident victims seek out timely compensation. Depending on the extent of the resultant damage and your personal financial situation, waiting a long time for restitution may not be an option. Anyone looking to be made whole in the wake of an auto accident should consider the advice outlined above.
