If you’ve been in a car accident, you know it can be startling. The noise, the property damage, and the potential injuries are unsettling.
We all believe we know what to do if we are involved in an accident, but we are in a state of shock and are not sure what steps to take too often. This situation is especially true if the crash is due to another person’s negligence.
6 Simple Steps to Take After a Car Acciden
A car collision can happen at any time in Tucson or anywhere throughout Arizona. The first thing to know is that you must stop if there is a crash. Never drive away from the scene of an accident, even a minor one.
Then follow these actions to help protect your and your passengers. These steps will also allow you to seek future compensation and protect yourself from unfounded claims against you.
1. Get Medical Attention.
Do your best to stay calm and immediately check if anyone requires medical attention. If the injuries appear severe, call 911 to get medical help as soon as you can.
Remember that not every injury has obvious symptoms. Health issues may not appear until hours or even days later. It is a good idea to see a doctor who can diagnose and treat any injuries and provide a record of what took place.
2. Call the Police.
Some people don’t want to take the time to report the accident. However, there are many reasons why it’s a smart step to take time to call the police.
For example, police officers can secure the area and take a police report. They will document essential details about what occurred at the accident scene.
3. Collect all Contact Information.
The best time to collect pertinent information about your accident is when everyone is out of danger. Pull your car over in a safe place (preferably out of the road) and put your hazard lights on. Some of the most crucial details you should collect include:
- The make, model, year, color, and license plate numbers of all cars involved
- The names, addresses, and phone numbers of the drivers, passengers, and witnesses before anyone leaves the scene
- The driver’s insurer information with their policy number and company name
4. Take Photos.
Use your cell phone to capture important documentation of the impact. Take pictures of the scene from different vehicle damage close-ups, and road conditions.
Before you call a tow truck, we recommend taking photos if the other driver has totaled your vehicle.
5. Call Your Auto Insurance Company.
It may be tempting to negotiate a cash deal to avoid the insurance claim process. But if you fail to notify your insurance company, it can leave you liable for damages. You pay your premiums, so let your insurance claims professional help you navigate these types of situations.
6. Contact a Skilled Personal Injury Attorney.
After a vehicle crash, it’s vital to protect your rights. A qualified attorney can advise you on issues ranging from full compensation on your vehicle to receiving the best medical treatment.
Compensation
An auto accident can impact many areas of your life. If you or someone you care about is affected by the negligent actions of another driver, you may be eligible for compensation for the damages suffered.
This may include, but not be limited to:
- Vehicle damage
- Physical injuries
- Current and future medical costs
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of income
Your settlement may have to last a lifetime, but insurance companies will want to pay you the least amount possible on your claim.
That is when you should seek professional advice.
Why You Should Use an Attorney After a Car Crash
If you have been in a car accident, you may wonder if it makes sense to hire a lawyer.
Whether you were injured in the crash or have caused an accident where someone else was hurt, it is a smart idea to consult a lawyer, even if you have insurance.
Just some of the benefits of hiring a knowledgeable attorney are:
1. Guidance
An experienced lawyer will provide advice on medical bills, repair costs, and other details that warrant compensation. Having a car accident attorney on your side provides you with invaluable advice from the moment the accident occurred through the resolution of your case.
2. Communication
Your attorney will become your voice and handle all communication with the other driver’s insurance company and anyone involved in the collision.
3. Resources
Sometimes an accident requires intense investigation and even reconstruction to prove fault. A competent lawyer has the necessary resources to properly explore the details of your accident and ensure the defendant compensates you fully and fairly.
4. Evaluation
Your entitled financial award depends on the type and severity of the damages and your injuries. Attorneys understand how to properly evaluate all of the medical documents and other evidence to ensure that you receive proper compensation.
5. Settlement
Many car accident cases can be settled through pretrial negotiations. Unfortunately, since most people have no experience negotiating under these circumstances, they may be under-compensated.
Insurance companies are trying to pay you the least amount possible. With an experienced attorney on your side, you can rest assured that you have a skilled negotiator fighting for your interests.
6. Trial
If your case cannot be settled and goes to trial, your lawyer will advocate for you in front of a judge and jury. Your legal counsel will aggressively fight on your behalf against the attorneys of the other party’s insurance company.
Experienced Tucson Law Firm
Accidents can be life-changing. They can cost time, money, loss of employment, and sometimes the lives of people you care about. If you are seeking a Tucson car accident lawyer who understands the local laws and regulations, turn to BBerry Law Offices to fight for your rights.
We know this is a challenging and stressful time, and you may be feeling overwhelmed. You should only focus on yourself and your family’s recovery.
Our professional legal team will compassionately assist you during your personal injury case. We are effective negotiators and aggressive trial lawyers who work hard on your behalf with personalized one-on-one service.
If you have been in a car accident and require legal guidance, call BBerry Law Offices at (520) 638-6496 today to set up a free in-person or online consultation.