Call Your Insurance Company
Call your insurance company to report the accident. It is important that you answer the insurance agent's questions but do not provide a statement about who or what caused the accident. The goal of this conversation is simply to report the accident and provide general information.
Another important piece in reaching out to your insurance company is to make sure you do not accept a settlement. No matter how enticing the settlement may seem, you must understand that the insurance company is only looking out for their business interests. Not your best interests. Only an attorney will have your best interests at heart. Give only the information necessary when discussing the accident with your insurance carrier.
Take Pictures
If you are able, take pictures at the scene of the accident, including pictures of both cars, any objects involved in the crash, the debris and the road. While your attorney will be able to conduct an accident investigation, evidence of the accident can disappear quickly. Pictures taken at the scene of the accident are often invaluable.
Going even further, take video with your smartphone or cellphone if you are able to. Take a video of the surrounding area, road, show what the weather was like, lighting conditions and even get witness statements on camera. This is all valuable information for your case.
Share Information
By law, drivers must provide certain pieces of information to each other at the scene of the accident, including names, addresses and insurance information.
If there were witnesses at the scene of the accident, it is important to ask for their names, numbers and addresses, too. But do not engage with the other parties so far as to start arguing, talking too much about the accident or even admitting fault. Exchange what is necessary and leave it at that.
Find an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer
Finally, contact an attorney as soon as possible after the accident. We can help you understand your legal rights and your options for making an accident claim.
Many people choose not to work with a personal injury attorney because they believe the cost of working with an attorney outweighs the benefits. Yet, this often proves a costly decision, leading to smaller settlement offers by insurance companies that do not cover the full extent of the injuries suffered.