Being involved in a car accident can be a shocking and overwhelming experience. Knowing what to do after a car accident is important to protect your rights, ensure your safety, and have an efficient claims process with your insurance company. It is recommended to call a lawyer before consulting with insurance so that your best interests are protected in an automobile accident scene.
Glotzer & Leib, LLP, knows the legalities that come with automobile accidents and is here to guide you through the steps you need to take immediately following a crash.
The priority after any car accident is the safety and well-being of everyone involved. If you can, check yourself and other passengers for injuries. Emergency responders should be contacted to ensure professional assistance is on the way.
If anyone is hurt, call emergency services immediately. Even if the injuries seem minor, have medical professionals assess the situation to avoid further complications.
If the vehicles involved are in a dangerous location, such as in the middle of traffic, and can be safely moved, you should move them to the side of the road to avoid causing additional accidents.
Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers of the accident scene and prevent further damage.
Regardless of the severity of the accident, it is necessary to call the police. Insurance companies usually require an official police report during the claims process.
When the police officers arrive, provide them with a clear and accurate account of what happened. The SR-1 report will be an important piece of evidence when determining fault.
Make sure to obtain the police report number, as you will need it when filing an insurance claim. The police report will include details such as the location of the accident, the names and driver’s license numbers of the drivers involved, and a summary of the accident for legal purposes.
After ensuring that everyone is safe and the police have been called, the next step is exchanging information with the other party or driver in the incident.
After getting all their contact information, get the other car’s make, model, and license plate number.
Write down the other driver’s insurance information, including the company name and policy number. If possible, take photos of the accident scene, the involved cars, and any visible damage to provide visual evidence to your insurance company.
Proper documentation of the accident scene is necessary to protect your rights. Documenting everything will ensure that you have all the necessary information for your insurance claim. Take photos of the damaged cars, any visible injuries, and the surrounding area, including road conditions and traffic signs.
Note the time, date, and weather conditions during the accident.
If there were any passengers or witnesses to the accident, try to get their contact information and a brief statement of what they saw, including witness statements.
After leaving the accident scene, contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident. Provide them with all the information you’ve gathered, including the other driver’s name, insurance information, and a description of the accident.
An insurance adjuster may be assigned to assess the damage and determine the payout.
Your insurance agent will guide you through the claims process and explain your coverage options, including collision and liability coverage.
Be prepared to provide a recorded statement about the accident. Stick to the facts and avoid speculating about fault or liability. Remember that the insurance company may use your statement in the claims process. It would be best if you were accurate and concise.
Awareness of your insurance policy and coverage is key when dealing with the aftermath of a car accident. Most policies include different types of coverage, such as liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage.
Know what your policy covers, including any policy limits and deductible amounts.
If your car has been damaged in the accident, your insurance provider will likely send an appraiser to assess the vehicle damage and determine the actual cash value of your car. If the repair costs exceed the car’s value, it may be deemed a total loss, and you will be offered the vehicle’s actual cash value.
In no-fault states, your insurance company will cover your medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who was at fault for the accident. However, in California, which is not a no-fault state, the at-fault driver’s insurance is typically responsible for covering the damages.
Your insurance company will help determine fault based on the police report and other evidence collected at the scene.
Even if you feel fine immediately after the accident, seek medical attention immediately. Some injuries, such as whiplash or internal injuries, may not be immediately apparent but can cause extreme harm if left untreated. Visiting a doctor also creates a medical record of your injuries, which can be important in your personal injury claim.
Keep all medical records, receipts, and documentation of any medical expenses related to the accident. These records will be necessary when seeking compensation for your injuries from the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
If you experience ongoing symptoms or need further treatment, follow up with your healthcare provider.
Handling the legal and insurance processes after a car accident can be challenging, especially if you have suffered serious injuries or property damage. Consulting with a car accident attorney can help protect your rights and ensure you receive fair compensation for your losses.
An experienced car accident attorney can provide legal representation and assist you with every aspect of your claim, from negotiating with the insurance company to filing a lawsuit if necessary. They can help you gain knowledge of your legal rights, gather evidence to support your claim, and represent you in settlement negotiations or court proceedings.
After a car accident, you may be contacted by the at-fault driver’s insurance company with a settlement offer. While accepting the first offer may be tempting, insurance companies often try to settle claims for as little as possible.
Before accepting any settlement, consult with your car accident attorney to ensure the offer is fair and covers all your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage.
Your attorney can help you evaluate the settlement offer and negotiate with the insurance company for a more favorable outcome. If the insurance company refuses to offer a reasonable settlement, your attorney may advise you to file a lawsuit to seek the compensation you deserve.
Once your insurance claim has been filed and approved, you can begin repairing your vehicle. Your insurance company may provide you with a list of approved repair shops, or you can choose your own repair shop. Get a detailed estimate of the repair costs and understand whether your insurance policy will cover the repairs.
If your car is deemed a total loss, your insurance provider will offer you the actual cash value of the vehicle minus any deductible. In some cases, you may have the option to keep and repair the car at your own expense, but this may not be the most cost-effective option.
If you disagree with the insurance company’s appraisal of your vehicle, most policies include an appraisal provision that allows you to hire a competent appraiser to determine the value of the car. It can be particularly useful if you believe the insurance company has undervalued your vehicle or is insisting on using after-market parts for repairs.
If you hire a car accident attorney to assist with your claim, you must know how legal fees and costs will be handled. Many personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case. The attorney’s fees are typically a percentage of your settlement or judgment.
In addition to legal fees, other costs may be associated with pursuing your claim, such as court filing fees, expert witness fees, and the cost of obtaining medical records or accident reports. Your attorney should provide you with a clear explanation of these costs and how they will be paid.
After a car accident, protect your rights and take the necessary steps to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and property damage. This includes following the proper procedures for filing an insurance claim, gathering evidence to support your claim, and consulting with a car accident attorney if necessary.
Our law firm is committed to helping accident victims simplify the legal and insurance processes with confidence. We know the challenges you may face after a car accident and are here to provide the guidance and support you need to achieve a favorable outcome.
Knowing what to do after a car accident can significantly affect the outcome of your insurance claim and any legal action you may need to take. Following the steps outlined in this guide, you can protect your rights, ensure your safety, and work towards a fair and just resolution of your claim.
If you have any questions or need assistance after a car accident, the experienced attorneys at Glotzer & Leib, LLP are here to help. Contact us to discuss your case and learn more about how we can assist you in navigating the complexities of the claims process and pursuing the compensation you deserve. If you have been involved in a car accident, let us help you protect your rights and obtain the compensation you deserve.
“Mr. Glotzer represented me after I was involved in a car accident. I was badly injured,but the insurance company refused to offer me a reasonable settlement. I decided to find an attorney and decided to hire Josh.
His law firm did a great job on my case. They were very responsive to all my questions and obtained a great resolution for me. I received way more money than was originally offered. I would recommend their firm to friends and family.”
“Mr. Josh Glotzer is a great attorney. Over the last 15 years he has helped me on a number of cases with professionalism, and more importantly a positive outcome in my favor. I have referred him to a number of friends and colleagues, all of which have been equally as happy with his legal representation. I trust him and confident in legal ability. I highly recommend his law firm.”
“Don’t try to deal with insurance companies on your own. They strung me along for almost two years before I gave the case to Glotzer & Leib. Josh and his team quickly obtained a settlement that netted me many times what the insurance company was offering. Thank You!”
“My wife was in a car accident last year and Josh did an amazing job representing her. It’s very refreshing to see someone in his profession that actually cares and puts his clients first. He’s the best in the business and I feel so fortunate that I was referred to him. Keep up the great work and thanks for everything you did for my family!”
“I was in a rear end car accident last year and hired Mr. Glotzer’s office. It wasn’t a big case but their office helped me with my property damage claim and did a good job resolving the injury portion of the case as well.”
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