If you drive regularly, there is a very good chance that you will be involved in a car accident at some point. Because of this, you need to be aware of what you should do after getting in a car accident so that you follow the right steps.
Getting into a car accident can feel overwhelming, but knowing what to do right after this happens can ensure your safety and your ability to file a claim later on. At Henderson Taylor Law Firm, we have a team of highly experienced auto accident attorneys who can help represent your case. So, keep reading to find out what steps to take after getting into a car accident and how to file a claim.
Call 911
The very first thing you need to do after being involved in a vehicle accident is to call 911. The 911 operator can send an ambulance and the police to the accident location within a few minutes.
When the police arrive, they can check everyone out and start documenting what happened at the scene of the accident. This will be very important later on if you decide to file a claim so you can receive compensation.
Get Medical Care
It is very common for drivers to sustain some kind of injury after a car accident. There are even injuries that may not be visible at first or show any signs until much later on. Because of this, you should always get checked out by medical professionals, even if you don’t feel as though you have been injured.
Receiving medical care after an accident will also create medical documentation you can use later on in your claim. Medical documentation will be especially vital if you experience health complications later on as a result of the accident.
A medical professional may also refer you to a physiotherapist to help with your post-accident recovery. Not only will this benefit your health, but it is also a good way of documenting how the accident impacted you physically and what your recovery will entail. This is usually an option for those who have sustained injuries with mobility or motor function or are experiencing pain.
Exchange Information
If you are physically able to move around after the accident, you should always exchange information with the other driver. You will need to exchange insurance and contact information that you and your attorney can use later on.
If you’re unable to do this, you do not have to worry since the police will also document this information in their report.
Look For Witnesses
Drivers who are uninjured after a car accident have the ability to document what happened at the scene of the accident. One of the best ways to do this is to look around for witnesses who may have seen what happened. Witnesses can later give their statements that you can use when you file an accident claim.
You do not need to get statements from the witnesses yourself since this is something your attorney will do later on. Instead, make sure you get their contact information so that you can get in touch with them when building your case.
Document Evidence
Filing a claim after an auto accident comes with its own challenges since you have to prove who was at fault. Insurance companies will often try to avoid responsibility, which is why evidence is so critical.
Even though the police will document evidence in their report, it is also a good idea to do this yourself. You should collect evidence such as:
- Photos of bodily damage
- Photos of property damage
- Video recordings
- Photos of the accident scene
Later on, your attorney can access other types of evidence, such as video recordings from local businesses or dash cam footage.
Contact an Auto Accident Attorney
It can be tempting to represent yourself in an auto accident case if you are trying to save money, but the reality is that this isn’t a good idea. You should contact the assistance of an experienced auto accident attorney who can represent your case and help you document evidence.
An attorney has the necessary experience and will better understand the laws in Vancouver. They will also have access to resources that will come in handy when it comes to proving who was at fault.
Filing a Car Accident Claim in Vancouver
If you want to file a car accident claim, you will need to contact your insurance company as well as the other driver’s insurance company. Ideally, you should have your attorney do this since they will negotiate on your behalf.
If this course of action does not work, you may need to go to court to prove who was at fault so that you receive compensation. This may happen if the insurance company refuses to provide a settlement or you are unhappy with the settlement amount. Your attorney can help advise you on which option to take to get the best results for your case.
What Types of Compensation Could I Receive?
Many people choose to file a car accident claim because they have expenses they have to cover after the accident. If you are not at fault, you will need to pursue compensation so that you can financially and physically recover after the accident. Here are some examples of what could qualify for compensation:
- Property damage
- Bodily injuries
- Loss of income
- Reduced earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Medical treatment costs
Hire an Auto Accident Attorney at Henderson Taylor Law Firm
Getting into an auto accident is a very overwhelming process, and you may not know what to do next. The good news is that this is broken down into actionable steps such as calling 911, receiving medical care, exchanging information, finding witnesses, and documenting the scene of the accident.
At Henderson Taylor Law Firm, we are committed to defending the downtrodden and helping our clients get the compensation they are entitled to. For legal representation in an auto accident, contact us today at 360-737-1478 or send us a message online.
