Being involved in a minor car accident can be a stressful situation, but it is important to stay calm and handle the situation properly. Even though the accident may be minor, you will still want to take the proper steps to secure evidence and get medical treatment should you be injured.
Here are some steps you can take following a minor car accident:
- Check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately and wait for medical assistance to arrive.
- Call the Police even if the accident is minor, it is always a good idea to call the police. The police can help document the accident and provide an unbiased report of what happened. This can be useful if you need to file an insurance claim. In most cases, if you do not file a police report, the accident becomes a he-said-she-said accident and can make it very difficult for the insurance companies to determine which party is at fault.
- Be sure to activate your hazard lights to warn others of the stopped vehicles in the roadway.
- Exchange information with the other driver involved in the accident, including their name, phone number, insurance information, and license plate number. Take photos of the damage to both cars and make note of the location, time, and date of the accident. It is best to try to take photos of the cars in their respective positions where the accident happened before the cars are moved.
- Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident. Provide them with the details of the accident and the information you collected from the other driver.
- Even if you don’t feel injured, it is important to seek medical attention after a car accident. Some injuries, such as whiplash, may not show symptoms immediately but can cause long-term damage if left untreated.
- If you were injured in an accident, it is a good idea to consult with an attorney to understand your legal rights. An attorney can help you navigate the insurance claim process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
By following these steps, you can ensure the safety of everyone involved, document the accident, and protect your legal rights. Although not all auto accidents require the necessity of hiring an attorney, it is best to speak with an attorney so they can evaluate if it would be in your best interest to hire a personal injury attorney. Of course, this would only apply should you be injured in the accident.
Many firms do not hand property damage only claims, ours included. Property damage is normally something you can handle on your own without the need for an attorney to be involved. If you do not like what the liability company is offering you, you can always use your insurance company to handle the property damage and they can go after the liability company.
There are many layers to a personal injury claim. It is best if you speak with a personal injury lawyer to understand your rights before trying to settle a claim. Our attorneys at Tabor Law Firm would be happy to discuss your potential claim with you at a FREE CONSULTATION. Call us NOW at (317) 236-9000.
