Every year millions of people get involved in car accidents. Whether the collision results in serious physical injuries, major property damages, or even if it’s just a minor fender-bender, the end result is that the victims will surely file for a claim for damages from the insurance companies (yours and the other driver’s).

If you, or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, you should be aware of the common steps that those involved should follow to ensure that you will be compensated appropriately for your losses.

The Scene

The first thing you need to do after the car wreck is to check the well-being of all the people involved. Immediately call the paramedics if anyone is hurt or injured. Even if you think that your injuries are just minor, you must still seek medical attention.
No matter how insignificant or severe the situation is, you must call the police. Request that an officer respond to the scene. Having the officer create a police report at the time of the accident is extremely important, this will show which of the drivers is legally liable.
If you can, obtain all necessary information from all the drivers involved such as name, driver’s license number, insurance information, and vehicle license and registration. If there are any witnesses on the scene and they are willing to give statements, gather their names and contact information.
Take relevant photographs of the accident scene, the vehicles involved and their damages, location of traffic signals, skid marks, debris, and any other evidence that may help your case. Make sure to take note of the weather conditions at the time of the car accident.
Lastly, do not mention any fault whatsoever. Whatever statements you say could later be used to point the blame on you.

Seek Medical Care

Getting timely medical care after your ordeal is necessary. You must inform your attending physician that you have been involved in a car accident. You must follow through with all prescribed medication, rehabilitation and treatments.
The success of your personal injury claim will depend heavily on your medical records, the documentation of your injuries and the relation of it to the accident plus the impact of the injuries in your everyday life.

Dealing with Insurance Companies

You should contact your insurance company to report the incident. Your insurance company will provide you with a claim number and a claims adjuster to handle all aspects of your claim.
You would also need to report the accident to the other driver’s insurance company. But proceed with caution and watch what you say. Remember the other driver’s insurance company works for them so they will not put your best interests first.

Why Hire a Physical Injury Lawyer?

Hiring an experienced and knowledgeable personal injury attorney is necessary to get the compensation that you truly deserve. Dealing with insurance companies may be difficult. The tedious task of providing essential information and engaging in negotiation may be too much to handle on your own after being involved in a car accident. Here at Council & Associates, we understand what you are going through and spare you the burden of having to go it alone. We will dedicate time and resources to gather information, interpret the facts, and move forward aggressively on your claim. Accident victims such as yourself deserve financial recovery. If you have any questions on how you can get compensation, call us immediately at (404) 526-8857.