Legal Tips if You Have Been in a Car or Truck Accident

Whether you drive a car daily or occasionally, you might find yourself in an accident at some point. If you are involved in a car accident, the stress and emotional turmoil that follow can be overwhelming. That is why it’s important to know what to do after an accident and your rights as a driver.

Stay Calm

Although it’s difficult, staying calm when you are in the middle of an accident is essential. You will have a better chance of handling the situation if you remain as quiet as possible. While you should certainly ask for help if needed, you do not want to contribute to the confusion surrounding the accident by getting worked up.

Exchange Information

After you have assessed the situation and are sure that everyone is physically unharmed, you should exchange information with the other driver(s). This includes name, phone number, insurance company, and policy numbers. It’s also a good idea to take photos of the accident before others arrive to help you accurately report what happened. Knowing this info will help you stay protected if another driver falsely denies their involvement or leaves the scene before exchanging information.

Check for Injuries

Although you should also ask the other driver(s) if they are injured, you should also check for injuries yourself. A minor accident could cause injuries that you might only discover hours later. You may have a concussion or other medical condition that is not immediately apparent. If so, you should seek emergency medical treatment. Your car insurance company will also expect you to report any minor damage that may affect your ability to drive again.

Check for Collision Damage

You should also check the damage to your car and the other vehicles involved in the accident. This is important for two reasons:

1. It helps you accurately picture your injuries and what caused them.

2. It will help you prepare when it comes time to file an insurance claim.

You should take photos of the damage and keep a log of where the damage is and how it was caused. This will help you report the accident to your insurance company and bring your car to a body shop to repair the damage.

Decide Whether to Contact a Lawyer

You may consider contacting an attorney if the accident is severe or causes significant damage. Also, ensure you find proper representation depending on the type of vehicle accident. For instance, Alexander Law Firm, which is a Houston trucking accident attorney firm, says, “suing for a trucking accident can be more complex than a car accident.” Contact an attorney that is well versed in the type of vehicle accident you are in. You should consider contacting an attorney if you believe the other driver(s) were at fault for the accident. If you decide to contact an attorney, you may want to wait to file an official insurance claim until you have spoken with a lawyer. This will help you avoid violating the terms of your policy by speaking with your insurance adjuster before you have reported the accident to them.

Get a Police Report

If the accident is severe or leads to injuries, you should ask the other driver(s) if they would be willing to go to the police station with you to file a report. You can file a report independently if they are unwilling to do so. If you file a police report, it will help you in several ways. First, it will prove to your insurance company that the accident was severe enough to warrant a police report. Second, it will help protect you from fraudulent claims.

Get Collision Repair Estimates

You can get these estimates from auto body shops or repair centers. After you get the forecast, you must notify your car insurance company about the accident and collision damage. This will help you be prepared for the claims process and avoid future issues with your insurance company.

Assessing the Damage and Staying Protected

After the accident, after-market collision repair shops will likely come out to assess the damage to your car. Although they are not required to give you a specific repair estimate, they must provide a written estimate of the total cost of parts and labor necessary to repair the damage your car has sustained. Take your time and make sure you are making informed decisions. It’s also a good idea to consult a lawyer to help navigate the complicated car accident process and ensure you are doing everything correctly.

A car accident can be a frightening ordeal, but there are things you can do to make the situation more manageable. Suppose you are ever involved in a car accident. These tips will help you stay prepared for a car accident.