Being involved in a car accident can be a scary and taxing experience, especially when you have little idea of how to handle the situation.
In any car accident, there are certain steps that need to be taken if you want to make a road traffic accident claim. Some of these precautions can vary depending on your home state, but they should still be followed to ensure your protection during a court case or legal battle with another driver.
In the guide below, we will outline the process of claiming for a road traffic accident, while also explaining the different materials you will need as evidence.
So if you find yourself in a car accident, this article has everything you need to protect yourself from evaluation.
Step 1: Call Medical Services
If you have been involved in a serious car accident, the first thing you need to do is call an ambulance. This can be done by contacting 911, which will bring medical services and law enforcement to the scene.
Even if the accident is minor, you should still seek medical attention or the advice of a trained physician, as even small injuries can have a profound impact on your health. For example, head injuries can take some time to manifest symptoms.
Step 2: Collect Information
When a driver has been involved in a serious car accident, the law states that they have 24 hours to make a written report with the police or local highway patrol.
Contacting the police is an important step after any car accident, as it provides ample opportunities to collect information about the crash. This will help you to learn more about the accident and where the fault lies. It is also important to collect the information of the drivers around you, such as their names, phone numbers, insurance information, and license plates.
Step 3: Keep A Record
If you have not been harmed and are able to take pictures, then you should do so once you have called the police. This means photographing every element of the accident, from the cars and tire marks to the road and surrounding debris.
It is also important to take notes of everything you remember leading up to the accident, as a clear report will improve your chances in a court case or legal dispute. To achieve the best results, we recommend taking notes immediately so that the memories are still fresh in your mind.
Step 4: Contact Insurance Provider
Following the accident, it’s important to call your insurance provider and let them know you’ve been in a car crash. When discussing the accident with your insurance provider, it’s important that you only tell them the hard facts, as anything else could be held against you during a legal dispute with another driver.
Step 5: Contact DMV
If you have been involved in a car accident that resulted in death or serious damage, then you will need to call the DMV. In most cases, drivers will have 10 days to report the accident and submit a written record of the events. If you fail to do this, your character could fall into question and you may suffer severe penalties.
Step 6: Contact An Attorney
Once you have been involved in a car accident, it’s imperative that you contact a suitable law firm and speak to an attorney.
Attorneys are trained professionals who will be able to guide you through the process. They will also be able to gather evidence and speak to your insurance company. In some ways, attorneys help to relieve the stress of the situation, which will give you some time to focus on your recovery and personal life.
Of course, there are hundreds of attorneys available to help, with each one ranging in skill and experience. However, if you are based in California, we recommend that you visit Tiemann Law Firm, as they specialize in vehicle-related cases.
When you have spoken to an attorney, they will be able to determine your case and whether you should proceed with a road traffic accident claim.
Step 7: Avoid Social Media
While the final step on our list may seem strange, it remains an important part of any accident claim.
We understand that it can be tempting to share your experiences on social media, especially when you have been involved in a car accident. However, we do advise that you avoid social media until after the claim has gone through, as this means no one can use your personal statements against you.
If you share information about the accident on social media, then it could be used to paint you as the wrong party, which could hurt your reputation and claims.
