If you drive a vehicle, you are bound to be involved in a car accident at some point in your life. According to the car insurance industry, a person will file a claim for a crash an average of once every 17.9 years.
But even when you understand the likelihood of being involved in a car accident, most people are often not prepared when it actually happens. In the event of a collision, there are certain steps you must take in order to file a claim and recover your entitled compensation.
Since car accidents can be an extremely traumatic and emotionally overwhelming experience, there is plenty of room for error. Failure to take the proper steps could not only jeopardize your claim, but you also could be entirely blamed for the crash.
Here are the proper steps you should take after a car accident:
- Ensure all people involved are safe – Once you turn on your hazard lights to warn other vehicles approaching the accident scene, check for injuries. If any serious injuries are apparent, call for emergency medical attention.
- Exchange information with the other driver(s) involved – You need to obtain the other driver’s name and contact information, driver’s license number, license plate number, and insurance policy number. If there are any passenger involved and witnesses, make sure you get their contact information as well.
- Gather evidence – Using your cell phone, take photos and videos of all vehicles involved and the entire accident scene. Ensure you capture the exterior and interior damage of each vehicle, the road conditions, the weather conditions, and even any injuries.
- Call police – To file a claim with your insurance company, you need a police report. This report is a crucial piece of evidence in a car accident claim. Cooperate with the officer and avoid admitting fault or blaming others.
- Contact your insurer – Report your accident to your insurance provider as soon as possible to get started on your claim. Only disclose the basic details of the crash.
- Hire a lawyer – If your accident involves serious injuries and extensive damages, an experienced personal injury attorney can help you maximize your entitled compensation. If you are unable to take the steps above due to injury, your lawyer can investigate your case, collect evidence, negotiate with insurance adjusters, and help you recover financial compensation to pay for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
If you have been injured in a car accident caused by a negligent driver in Albuquerque, NM, contact Michael J. Doyle, Attorney at Law today at (505) 219-2176 and request a free consultation today.