What to do After an Accident
Automobile accidents are quite common across the United States and around the globe. It is estimated that between 20-30 million people are injured in car accidents each year, while approximately 1.3 million will lose their lives after a tragic accident. Hopefully, you will never have to experience an automobile accident yourself. To be on the safe side, it is important to familiarize yourself with the proper actions to take after an accident so that your interests are best protected.
Find a Safe Spot
If you are in an accident on a busy road or an area that is unsafe to stop, try, if you are able, to move your vehicle off to the side and out of harm’s way. If you cannot move your vehicle out of a dangerous area but you yourself are able to exit, ensure you are far enough away from the crash to keep yourself as safe as possible.
Once you are located in an area that is safe, you need to check yourself for injuries. After you have assessed your own situation, look to your passengers, other pedestrians, and other drivers in the incident to assess any injured parties. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately and get the help that is needed.
Call the Police
No matter who is at fault, call the police. If you are not at fault, the police report will be very important to the strength of your case and for the insurance insurance company to better process the claim. Answer all of the officer’s questions. Should a police officer not come out to the scene, which will sometimes happen if there are no injuries, go to the DMV to file your accident report.
Never Admit Blame
Admission of any blame or responsibility could hurt your claim or cause it to be wholly denied. It is human nature to want to help and accept some blame even if you bare none. If you acknowledge even a small amount of responsibility, especially when you own none, you may have done real damage to your ability to recuperate costs for your damages.
Exchange Information
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You can choose to either wait for the police to arrive or exchange information while you are waiting for the police to arrive. The information you will want includes:
- Names of drivers and passengers
- License plate numbers of all vehicles involved
- Vehicle make, model, and year
- Location of accident
- Name and badge number of the responding police officer
- Gather any available witness information who may have stopped to see the accident and can provide statements
Document the Accident
Most people today have cameras and video capabilities on their phones. Use this to document the scene with photos of the damages, the location of the vehicles, and injuries sustained. The more pictures, the better. It is always good to have the most information and detail as possible. Take your time, you want the pictures to be clear and in focus.
File an Insurance Claim
Contact your insurance company immediately after the accident to file a claim. Don’t wait for the adjusters to follow up with you; stay on top of them and be diligent in your actions. When you get a valuation for the damage you have to your property you either will accept it or get a second estimate. If you get a second estimate that differs, present it to your adjustor.
Keep Records of Medical Procedures and Costs
Take good notes on all the instructions and information from your doctors, keep a journal on your progress with recovery, and how you are feeling each day. Keep receipts from visits and keep a record of procedures. Copies of bills, as well as all other medical documentation, will help immensely in the courtroom to strengthen your case.
Car Accident Attorneys in Nevada
It is so important to keep track of all the details associated with your accident so that you can build your strongest case for your best chance at a high amount of compensation. There are some dos and don’ts associated with what you should say and how you behave so you don’t jeopardize your case, and the best place to get that guidance is from an experienced Nevada car accident attorney from the Cottle Firm.
Our team can provide you with the direction you need to keep your case strong. We can build a substantial case in your favor and fight on your behalf. Our team of effective Las Vegas car accident attorneys at the Cottle Firm will help you through every step of the way. Don’t hesitate to call us with your questions and to discuss your claim with one of our experienced Nevada personal injury attorneys at 702-722-6111 today.
