If you are like most drivers, when you get behind the wheel of the car you are not thinking that you will get into a car accident. For this reason, if you are in an accident, it can be extremely jarring and confusing. This is why we so often tell our clients what to do if they are involved in a car accident. Keep reading for a reminder and then contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 if you are in need of a free case evaluation.
Call for help
Right after an accident, you should call for help. If there are injuries – even if they seem relatively minor – you should call 911 and request an ambulance. If there do not appear to be any injuries then you will need to asses property damage. If there is more than $1,000 in property damage then the police should be called. You will need a copy of the accident report for any potential lawsuits.
Get information with other involved parties
You should get information from other involved parties regarding their phone numbers, names, license plate numbers, and insurance information. Stay calm. They may be upset. They may accuse you of causing the accident. Be polite. Do not discuss the specifics of the accident and never, under any circumstances, should you admit fault.
Gather as much information as possible
If everyone is safe, you should take some time to document as much as you can from the scene. If you have your phone or another camera on you, take pictures. Document any damage done to your car, any skid marks, and any traffic signs. If there were people who witnessed the accident, talk to them. You do not need to gather information about what they saw but you do want to get their names and contact information.
Contact your insurance company
You will need report the accident to your insurance company. This is true no matter who was at fault. Be clear and concise with your insurance rep. They will give you all the relevant information about your policy and how to collect on it, if necessary. Note that even if another party was at fault, you may still need to make a claim against your own policy. For example, this may be true if you have underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage, or if you have coverage for a rental car.
Call an attorney
Finally, you should contact a personal injury attorney. At The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker we can provide a free legal consultation during which you tell us the basics of your accident and we can help you determine if it makes sense to pursue an injury claim. Call us now at 800-333-0000 if you have been involved in any type of accident in which someone else was wholly or partially at fault.
