What to Do After a Car Accident           

After a car accident, you may be consumed with panic, worry, anger, confusion, and many other emotions. However, it is important to remain calm, because the sooner and more thoroughly you begin preparing documentation for the insurance claim process, the more likely you are to get properly compensated for the injuries and damages you’ve suffered due to the negligence of others.

Here is what you should do following a car accident in order to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

Prioritize Your Safety

Of course, the first thing to do after an accident is to prioritize the safety of all involved. If you have sustained serious injuries, don’t move until paramedics arrive on the scene. If others in your vehicle or the other vehicle have sustained serious injuries, advise them to do the same.

If you have not suffered serious injuries, however, be sure to get to safety as soon as possible. If you are able to move your car, try to pull it over to the side of the road.

Call the Authorities

In many states, the law requires you to call 911 after a car accident, no matter the level of severity. So, if you are able to, it is important to call authorities to the scene of an accident as soon as possible. Oftentimes, the insurance company will want a copy of the police report from the accident when you file your claim. Therefore, if you are unable to call the authorities to the scene, be sure to stop by a police station after the accident to fill out the police report yourself.

Exchange Information and Document the Scene

If both drivers are okay, after the authorities have been called to the scene, you should begin exchanging information and documenting the accident. You can even call your insurance company at this point to ask them what information is needed to file the claim. Generally, you should collect the following:

1. Information on the other driver, including their full name, contact information, insurance information, vehicle information, and driver’s license number
2. The names and contact information of any other parties involved with the accident, including passengers and witnesses
3. The names and badge numbers of any officers on the scene
4. Pictures of the scene
5. The address of where the accident took place

After this, you can begin filing your claim. However, if you need assistance navigating the insurance claim process or if your sustained personal injuries result in missed work or expensive hospital bills, then you should consider consulting with a car and truck accident attorney to help you understand your legal options.

Reliable Local Car Accident and Personal Injury Legal Services

You shouldn’t have to deal with the ramifications of a car accident on your own. If you live in the Southeastern Missouri area, take advantage of the professional personal injury legal services offered by the experienced attorneys at Lanzotti & Rau.

We are so confident in our ability to help you successfully pursue legal action to receive compensation for your injuries that we charge no upfront fees and only take a percentage of your final settlement. This means that if you don’t get paid, neither do we.

For more information on our car accident and personal injury legal services, schedule a free case evaluation with us by calling us at 573-335-9300 today.