The steps you take after a crash can significantly impact your claim. Unfortunately, many people either overlook these steps or suffer severe injuries and cannot do them on their own. Insurance companies are quick to do their part and investigate claims. They are hoping that you’ll make a mistake after a crash and minimize your compensation.
These six steps can help you after an accident:
- Contact a lawyer
- Report the accident
- Exchange information
- Take photos
- Speak with witnesses
- Get medical care
If you suffer an injury in a crash, be sure to call our firm at (843) 408-0599. We offer free consultations so that you can get answers before moving forward.
Contact a Lawyer
It’s never easy to experience a crash, but dealing with insurance companies is even more difficult while managing your financial, physical, and emotional hardships. We encourage you to speak with a lawyer before you talk to an insurance company — even your own. Without knowing the full details of your circumstance, you may make a minor mistake that can diminish your claim and compensation.
An attorney can help you through the process so that you have a clear understanding of what to expect. When you have a lawyer, you let the insurance company know you mean business and deserve to seek maximum compensation for the damages you sustain.
Report the Accident
You can report the accident to local law enforcement, especially if you suffer severe injuries or extensive vehicle damage. Law enforcement can come to the accident scene and speak with all parties to determine how the crash may have occurred. This accident report can be a vital piece of evidence to build your case.
Exchange Information
Exchange information with the other driver, including driver’s licenses, contact information, and insurance policy. Be careful to avoid contention, though. You can provide your legal team with the responsible driver’s information to help start your claim.
Take Photos
Pictures can be very good evidence because they show more of the story:
- First, take photos of the accident scene to show any signs of negligence, such as tire marks.
- Second, take pictures of the damage to all vehicles. These photos can show vehicle location and angles that accident reconstructionists can use on your behalf.
- Finally, take photos of your visible injuries.
Speak with Witnesses
If you see anyone in the area who may have seen the crash, approach them respectfully and ask if they can provide a statement. If a witness is okay with giving a statement, try to get it in writing along with the witness’s contact information.
Get Medical Care
Make sure you prioritize your health. You should go to a doctor as soon as you can to check for any injuries that you may have. A doctor can diagnose your condition and determine what treatment option works best for you. Another benefit of going to the doctor is being able to get a medical record to show just how severe your damages are.
At Clawson Fargnoli Utsey, LLC, we work for you. We put your rights first and pursue compensation while holding negligent parties accountable for your damages. We know just how crucial it is to take the right steps after an accident. When insurance companies try to bully you into less compensation than you deserve, we stand up for you and your rights.
Our Charleston car accident lawyers are ready to help you throughout the process. We will work to build a solid case on your behalf and pursue the maximum compensation you need. We’ll stand in your corner from start to finish. Trust that we will be your voice and advocates during the challenging process that lies ahead.
