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Being involved in a car accident can be an incredibly traumatic experience. Taking the proper steps after the accident is essential to protect yourself and your rights. Immediately following a motor vehicle collision, victims should ensure they follow these four vital steps:
Step 1: Check for Injuries and Call 911
If you or anyone else has sustained an injury, it’s essential to call 911 immediately. Even if there are no severe injuries, it’s best to call the police so that they can assess the situation and create an official report of the incident. This is vital if you file a claim later on because this report will help back up your story and provide the necessary evidence for your case.
Step 2: Exchange Information with Other Drivers
Make sure to exchange contact information with any other drivers involved in the crash and any witnesses who saw what happened. Also, get their insurance information, including the company name and policy number.
If possible, take pictures of their license plate, driver’s license, and insurance card for extra documentation. Be sure not to leave until all information has been collected, or it could be challenging to track them down afterward.
Step 3: Document Everything and Contact Your Insurance Company
It’s also essential to document everything that happened during the incident as soon as possible while the details are still fresh in your mind. Take pictures of all vehicles involved in the accident and any visible damage caused by it, including broken glass or bent metal parts.
As soon as you can afterward, contact your own insurance company so they can open up a claim file on your behalf and start working toward getting compensation for damages done to your vehicle or property due to the accident.
Step 4: Contact a Skilled professional
Working with a skilled auto accident attorney is another important step after being involved in a car accident because they have expertise in successfully navigating these claims. They can use their knowledge of local laws and regulations and their understanding of evidence-gathering techniques, such as interviewing eyewitnesses or reconstruction experts, to increase their chance of receiving fair compensation for damages incurred from the crash.
We Can Help
With years of experience representing injured motor vehicle accident victims, our team at Schackow & Mercadante understands your feelings. We want you to know that you are not alone, and we are here to help you every step of the way. Our personal injury attorneys are dedicated to getting you the justice you deserve while offering you the support you need. Let us be your guide.
Contact us today at (352) 261-6767 or visit us online to schedule your free consultation with a member of our team.