Being involved in a car accident can be a very traumatic experience and the steps one should take following the event can be confusing. The Law Office of Gregory W. Fox has extensive knowledge in representing personal injury cases such as automobile accidents and we have compiled this helpful list to guide you through the process.
Don’t Admit Fault
If you are involved in a car accident do not admit fault to the other party, your passengers, the police, witnesses, or your insurance agent, even if you feel you may be partially to blame for the accident. Following a car accident your emotional state may leave you thinking unclearly and your perception of the event may be altered. It is best to let your car insurance company handle the details while you focus on getting medical treatment.
Medical Treatment
If you are in need of medical treatment do not decline it. It is vital that you check your own health immediately after a car accident and if you have passengers in the car it is important that you check their safety as well. If a police officer responds to the accident and you believe you or a passenger has been injured, make them aware of it.
Do not minimize your injuries and in the weeks following your accident make certain that you monitor your health. Delaying medical treatment may lead insurance companies to believe that your injuries are not of a significant nature. Some injuries may become progressively worse over time so you should always be mindful of how you feel.
Call the Police
Regardless of the severity of an accident the police should be called and you should wait until the police have arrived so that you can complete an accident report. When making an insurance claim, the police report may prove to be more credible than witness and driver interviews.
Take Pictures
If possible take pictures or ask someone to take pictures of the accident and your injuries. When the time comes to obtain a settlement or work with a personal injury attorney, your photos may be valuable evidence in your case. Depending on the severity of your injuries you may heal quickly leaving little, if any evidence behind, so getting photos immediately will strengthen your case.
Reporting the Accident with your Insurance Company
When you are involved in a car accident report it to your own car insurance company. Your insurance company can help guide you through the process of obtaining car repairs, car rental, and can begin the process of negotiating with the other driver’s insurance company.
Consult an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
If you have been involved in a car accident it is important that you seek a consultation with an attorney experienced in personal injury claims. This is especially important if the accident was serious and resulted in injuries. The Law Office of Gregory W. Fox offers free initial consultations that can often be made for the same day; contact us at (559) 222-5800.
An experienced car accident attorney can help ensure that you receive full compensation from the proper sources, typically: car insurance, health insurance, etc. Our role is to determine how you suffered both physically and financially from the accident, this may include medical bills, lost wages, and future medical care.
Do Not Discuss the Accident with other Insurance Company
Following an accident the insurance company that represents the other driver may try to obtain a recorded statement from you that could seriously damage your case. In this case it is best to decline to discuss the accident and refer the insurance company to your lawyer.