What Should I Do After a Car Accident?

No one wants to be involved in a car accident. Unfortunately, bad habits such as distracted driving make these incidents a reality for most drivers sooner or later. Whether you’re involved in a minor fender bender or a major accident, there are certain steps you should take after the fact to protect yourself and others.

Stay Safe

Turn on your hazard lights and safely maneuver your vehicle off the road and out of the way of oncoming traffic, if possible. Do not attempt to retrieve items such as a license plate or bumper from the road. Avoid confrontation with the other driver(s) involved, but don’t claim responsibility, either. That’s for the authorities to sort out later on.

Call the Police

In the case of potential injury, dial 911 immediately. Even if no one appears to be injured, you should still contact the police and file a report so everything is documented for insurance purposes. The police department will decide whether it’s necessary to send an officer to the scene.

Gather the Appropriate Information

It can be hard to think clearly immediately after an accident. Organize your thoughts and collect the information the insurance companies — and possibly the authorities — will need.

Check for Injuries

Immediately following an auto accident, the first step is to check yourself and others for injuries and contact emergency services if necessary. If you have injuries that are not life-threatening, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. Injuries from auto accidents are not always immediately apparent.

Document, document, document.  Get the names and contact information for everyone involved and any witnesses. It is a good idea also to make notes of any statements made at the scene. You should also write down general information about the accident, such as vehicle direction and speed as well as road conditions.

Pictures are worth a thousand….words.

Taking photos and videos can be very helpful as well. If there were no police officers at the scene, you must file a written report of the accident with the local police within four days if there were injuries or property damage over $500.

Contact your insurance company, know your coverage

While gathering contact information from the other parties, you may find then, you have been involved in an accident with an uninsured driver.  Contact your insurance company to inquire about the coverage your policy may offer in this situation. If you do not have uninsured motorist coverage included in your policy, you will have to pay out of your own pocket for car repairs, medical bills and expenses, and possibly for alternate transportation while your car is in the shop for repairs. We can help with that.

Seek Legal Representation ASAP

If you’ve been involved in an accident and need experienced legal representation, contact our Seattle car accident lawyers today for a free consultation at info@brumleylawfirm.com or call 1-833-83-CARCRASH.

Brumley Law Firm: Your Partner in Vehicle Accident Cases

At Brumley Law Firm, we understand that car accidents can bring unexpected challenges. Our mission is to maximize your compensation while offering unwavering support. Just like other personal injury cases, vehicle accidents can feel deeply unjust, affecting victims both physically and emotionally.

Effectiveness and Compassion at the Core of Our Practice

Effectiveness is a fundamental principle at Brumley Law Firm, driven by our understanding that time is of the essence when seeking compensation. We act swiftly and efficiently, whether it’s collecting evidence, assessing your case, or engaging with insurance companies. Our attorneys approach accident cases with empathy and compassion, recognizing the unique needs and emotions of our clients.

Proven Success and we listen

Each accident case is unique, and our approach is tailored to your specific needs. We listen, understand, and strategize accordingly. Whether you’ve been involved in a car collision, suffered injuries due to negligence on the water, or experienced any other car-related incident, our personalized approach ensures you receive the attention you deserve. Our track record of securing maximum compensation for our clients speaks volumes about our dedication.

Comprehensive Support and Advocacy

Our commitment extends beyond the legal process. We understand the emotional toll car accidents can take. Our team includes professionals who can connect you with resources to help you cope with the aftermath. We provide comprehensive support for your physical and emotional well-being, ensuring that your voice is heard, and your rights are protected. In times of fear and uncertainty, remember that Brumley Law Firm is here for you. We’re not just legal representatives; we’re your advocates.

Car Accidents: Seeking Justice and Recovery

Vehicle accidents can be just as unexpected and unsettling as any other personal injury incident. If you’ve been injured in a Car accident, you might be wondering if someone is legally responsible for your expenses and injuries. Personal injury lawsuits encompass a wide range of damages—physical, emotional, and financial—resulting from accidents, negligence, intentional acts, or failures to act. An experienced personal injury lawyer can evaluate your situation to determine if you have a valid claim.

Establishing Liability in Car Accidents. Proving liability in Car accidents entails showing that someone is legally responsible for your injuries. Demonstrating that the person’s actions breached their duty of care and directly caused your injury is crucial and boaters are expected to operate vehicles safely and avoid behaviors that could harm others.

Compensation for Car Accident Damages

In a Car accident case, you’ll need to provide evidence that your injuries resulted in actual losses. These losses can encompass physical injuries, emotional effects, and monetary damages. Examples of recoverable damages include medical costs, lost wages, property repair or replacement expenses, diminished quality of life, and funeral expenses. Proper documentation, such as medical records, receipts, bills, and notes, is essential to establish the value of your claim. Ultimately, the person responsible for your injuries or their insurance provider may be liable for covering your damages.

Act Promptly and Protect Your Rights

Car accidents can lead to complex legal situations. To safeguard your interests, it’s essential to consult an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible after your injury. This helps you avoid potential problems with the statute of limitations applicable to your case. For instance, personal injury cases caused by negligence typically have a three-year window to file a claim, while some cases may have a two-year limitation.

Call 1-833-83-CARCRASH for your free Consultation