Your First Car Accident? 4 Steps That Will Help You Get The Compensation You're Entitled To
Posted on: 12 April 2016
You've been in a car accident. If you're a new driver, you might not know what you need to do next. Unfortunately, that lack of knowledge can cause problems for you later, especially if you need to seek legal action to receive the compensation your entitled to. Here are four things you should do right away to help protect your rights as an accident victim.
Don't Apologize
It's natural to want to apologize after an accident. However, that's the last thing you want to do. Until you get the police report, you won't know who was at-fault for the accident. Apologizing for the accident – and by extension assuming responsibility for the accident – you might not be able to receive full compensation, even if it's determined that the accident wasn't your fault.
Report the Accident
Even if the accident was a minor mishap, you should report it to local law enforcement. The police report will provide you with all the information you'll need to file insurance claims. This is particularly important if the other driver is unwilling – or unable – to provide you with personal information at the scene of the accident. The police report will identify the at-fault driver. It will also document the information you'll need to identify the other driver, including:
- Full name
- Driver's License Information
- Insurance policy information
Seek Legal Advice
One of the first things you want to do after a car accident is seek legal advice. This is particularly important if you've been injured in the accident. Depending on the state you live in, you may have limits as to how much time you have to file a claim against the other driver. An attorney will know the time limits you're dealing with and will be able to help you avoid deadlines when filing claims. It's also important for you to seek legal counsel if you're having a difficult time negotiating with the insurance company. Your attorney will be able to help you receive the care and compensation you're entitled to.
Take Your Own Pictures
You're going to want to provide as much documentation as possible regarding the accident. That's' where pictures come in. Pictures will provide documentation of the damage to your vehicle, as well as documentation of your injuries. If possible, take pictures of your injuries shortly after the accident, as well as pictures throughout the healing process. Be sure to let your attorney know that you have photographic documentation of your injuries.
Car accidents can be stressful, especially if it's your first one. The steps provided here will help you avoid mistakes while you're dealing with the aftermath. For additional information about how to handle your accident claim, be sure to speak to a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
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