What To Do After a Car Accident
In the moments following a car accident, it’s easy for those involved to experience shock, a rush of adrenaline, and confusion. Unfortunately, these feelings often lead to mistakes after an accident, and not everyone takes the necessary steps to protect their claim.
It’s vital to recognize what you should do after a car accident, so you know how to prove compensation for the damages you sustain in your accident. These steps can help protect you throughout the process, strengthen your case, and give you peace of mind knowing you can level the playing field against insurance adjusters.
The 6 steps you should take after a car accident include:
Exchange information with all drivers involved
Report the accident to the proper parties
Take photos of the scene of the accident
Speak with witnesses
Seek medical treatment
Hire a lawyer
Call our firm at (701) 402-6644 today to discuss your potential case.
1. Exchange Information with All Drivers Involved
You should get information from the other driver(s) involved and provide your information to them. Some of the information that you want to exchange includes the following:
Driver’s licenses
Insurance cards with the company name and policy number
License plate numbers
Contact information
The more information you have regarding the other driver(s), the easier it is for your legal team to work through the process. Exchanging information is the first step towards determining fault and what compensation is available.
2. Report the Accident to the Proper Parties
Report the accident to your insurance provider and local law enforcement. By reporting your crash to local law enforcement, you get a police officer on the scene and emergency medical services if necessary. Having EMS on scene helps you get care right away, and it also creates an accident report that your lawyer can use to protect your rights.
3. Take Photos of the Scene of the Accident
You should take numerous photos when the accident occurs (as long as you’re able to do so). First, take photos of the accident scene that can show tire marks or potential dangers on the road. Take photos of damages to all vehicles, including their positioning, which can help accident reconstructionists show fault. Finally, take photos of your visible injuries.
TIP: Our firm offers a car accident app to help with keeping track of the details about your accident. Make an accurate record by using the Maring Williams Accident App. You can find emergency help and record specific details about the accident that can be crucial when making an injury claim. You can take pictures, record information of the other party involved in the accident and much, much more!
4. Speak with Witnesses
If there are witnesses in the area who saw the accident occur, you want to speak with them for their statement. Get their contact information so insurance adjusters and your legal team can reach out to these parties. If possible, ask the witnesses to write down their statement and date and sign it.
5. Seek Medical Treatment
Your health should be the first thing you think about after a crash. Ensure you get medical attention as soon as you can, even for the slightest ache or pain. Some injuries have latency issues, and they may not manifest for days or weeks later, making it crucial to get medical care as soon as possible.
6. Hire a Lawyer
While there are claims that you may handle on your own, having a lawyer allows you to feel peace of mind throughout the entire process. An attorney can help you level the playing field and protect yourself from insurance companies’ tactics. If a claim goes further to trial, a lawyer is vital as he or she can help prove neglect, fault, and liability to pursue the necessary compensation and justice.
At Maring Williams Law Office, we’re committed to our clients’ rights. Our team of car accident attorneys is trusted throughout North Dakota, Minnesota, and Montana, and we have been for nearly three decades. We are well-respected in the area, and we go above and beyond to maintain our history of helping people in their time of need.
Call us today at (701) 402-6644 and speak with a legal professional about your rights and ability to pursue compensation for your damages.