Car accidents can happen anywhere, to anyone, and at any time. Dealing with new unforeseen circumstances that have a major impact on your health and finances can be especially burdensome if you’re in a car accident that’s not your fault.
If you are injured, the steps that you take immediately after an accident will have a significant impact on your ability to file a successful personal injury claim. It’s important to know what to say to your insurance company, when to contact a car accident lawyer, and what to expect when you file a claim. Learn more below about what happens when you’re not at fault in a car accident.
Initially After The Accident
The first steps that you take immediately after a car accident are critical. Not only can they protect your safety, but they can help to build a strong case against the at-fault driver. A few of the most essential post-accident steps include:
- Check yourself, passengers, and the other driver for injuries
- Seek immediate medical attention
- Contact the police
- Exchange insurance information
- Collect evidence at the scene (pictures, videos, eyewitness information, etc.)
- Contact your insurance company
Notify The Insurance Company
It’s advisable to notify your insurance company of the accident as soon as possible. When speaking with your insurance provider, it is best to stick with the facts. Do not admit fault, apologize for the accident, or go into detail about your medical condition.
Your insurance company is there to protect you, but they are also concerned about the bottom line. They can use everything that you tell them against you when negotiating settlement amounts and/or seeking a benefit payout.
Contact a Car Accident Attorney
Some drivers are honest and will admit to fault, other drivers that cause accidents will vehemently deny any allegations against them. In the case that fault is disputed, it will require strong evidence and a convincing argument to secure maximum compensation for your injuries.
Conducting investigations, collecting reports, interviewing eyewitnesses, and negotiating with insurance companies can all be difficult to successfully accomplish without the help of an aggressive personal injury attorney.
Depending on the state that you live in, you will either seek compensation from your own insurance provider or via the insurance provider of the at-fault driver. Each scenario lends itself to the skillset of a car accident lawyer. Visit Fasig and Brooks Law Offices to learn more about the benefits of working with an experienced attorneys.
File a Claim
If you live in an “at-fault” state, you will likely file a claim with the insurance provider of the driver that caused the accident. The claims process includes submitting the claim to your insurer, evaluation, and investigation of your claim by the insurance company, decision to make an offer or not, negotiation phase, and final conclusion.
Those that live in a “no-fault” state will usually file a claim with their own insurance first. If their costs go beyond the limits of their policy, they may be able to seek damages from the at-fault party as well. Seeking and obtaining maximum compensation for your injuries without the help of a seasoned personal injury attorney can be challenging. Take advantage of free consultations offered by lawyers to gauge whether or not they can be helpful in your case.