Whether minor fender-benders or more severe car accidents can be overwhelming and stressful. So knowing what you should do after a car accident can ensure you’re safe and protected, and whatever legal and financial matters have to be dealt with have the best outcome possible. With this step-by-step guide, we’ll help you calmly and effectively navigate the aftermath of an accident.
If you’re wondering how long after an accident do you have to file a claim, you must do it as soon as possible. The time frames are state-specific and depend on the insurance policy, so you don’t want to be on the wrong side of the deadline.
1. Take Care of Safety First, Then Make an Evaluation
The first step when you get in a car accident is to ensure everyone’s safety:
Check for Injuries: Look for injuries in yourself and others. If anybody is in trouble, call 999 to have medical help on the scene.
Move to Safety: If it’s safe, move vehicles out of the way to prevent further accidents. If at all possible turn on your hazard lights to let other drivers know that you’re there.
2. Call Law Enforcement
Regardless of the severity of the accident, contacting the police is crucial:
File a Police Report: A police report is an official record of the event that may be useful for insurance or legal purposes.
Provide Accurate Information: Just be truthful but don’t say you were at fault, don’t flurry with speculation of what caused the accident. Let’s let the authorities determine the facts.
3. Gather Essential Information
Documenting the details of the accident is a critical step in protecting your rights and an essential step in what to do after a car accident:
Exchange Information: Get these details from all parties involved:
Name, contact and full address.
The insurance company and the policy number.
Details as to driver’s license & vehicle registration.
Document the Scene: Take photos or videos of:
Vehicle damage
License plates
Things as a whole in the scene, i.e., Road conditions, traffic signs, visible injuries, etc.
4. Notify Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident:
Provide Accurate Details: Tell them what happened and show them those papers and facts you’ve recorded.
Understand Your Coverage: Know your policy so you know what expenses, such as medical bills, property damage, or rental car costs, may be covered by the policy.
If you have questions about filing a claim, it’s nice to know that when it comes to how long after an accident you have to file a claim, the answer is relatively straightforward.
5. Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine after the accident, getting a medical evaluation is critical:
Document Injuries: In some instances, it can be weeks or even months before symptoms are felt (these injuries are examples of whiplash, internal injuries, etc.). And to facilitate your insurance claim, you can have your medical records.
Follow-Up Care: Follow any treatment or follow-up treatments recommended to ensure full recovery and to strengthen your claim if necessary.
6. Preserve All Documentation
Maintaining organized records of the accident and its aftermath is vital:
Keep Copies of Everything: It can be in the form of the police report, medical bills, repair estimates and correspondence with insurance companies.
Track Expenses: You will also want to record all costs you incur from the accident, like transportation, lost wages, or out-of-pocket medical expenses.
7. Consider Consulting an Attorney
In complex cases, such as those involving disputes over fault or significant injuries, consulting an attorney can be beneficial:
Protect Your Rights: If you do not have the benefit of an experienced attorney to help you through these legal complexities and negotiate with insurance companies, you may be left out in the cold and won’t receive the compensation you deserve.
Pursue Fair Compensation: This can guarantee you get compensated adequately for your loss, which includes medical bills, property damage, and emotional distress.
8. Avoid Common Mistakes
When dealing with the aftermath of a car accident, it’s essential to avoid missteps that could harm your case:
Don’t Admit Fault: An apology could even be taken as accepting blame and many times they might hinder your insurance claim.
Avoid Delaying the Claim Process: Failing to file a claim or seek medical attention quickly can ruin your case.
Be Wary of Quick Settlements: In the initial stage, insurance companies may offer you low settlements. Make sure you know all the losses you have before you accept an offer.
Why Acting Quickly Matters
This will save you from panic and save your money, too, since understanding what to do when you get in a car accident and acting quickly can make a difference. Because filing a claim, seeking medical attention, and the incident documented are time-sensitive steps that help protect your rights.
Deadlines are different for each state and kind of claim, usually you must act in a matter of days or weeks. Mighty has created a whole guide to walk you through these requirements so you can avoid attorney’s fees and cuts down without the hassle of a lawyer.
The Long-Term Impacts of a Car Accident
Beyond the immediate steps, understanding the long-term implications of an accident is crucial:
Financial Costs: These can quickly add up to medical bills, repair expenses, and lost wages.
Emotional and Physical Recovery: Accidents can be traumatic and the repercussions, which can persist, indicate that the utmost care and concern must be taken.
Vehicle Value: An accident can cause diminished value on your car even after repairs, causing your car to sell for less than you paid.
Knowing what to do can be a confidence booster when you get in a car accident. Always prioritize safety, document the scene, notify your insurance company, and seek medical attention for your health and rights.
It’s also important to understand the claim process. If you’re still unsure what the deadline is for submitting your claim, try this guide on how long after an accident you must file a claim. Mighty’s clear, actionable advice is a resource you can count on to stay informed and ready.
With the right steps, though, you can reduce your stress level, recover losses, and get back to peace of mind after an accident. Hopefully, now you will have a better understanding of what to do when you get in a car accident.
Darren has owned several companies in the automotive, advertising and education industries. He has run driving theory educational websites since 2010.