Most of us know that sinking feeling when we have realized a car accident is about to happen. While we can’t control what happens before and during the accident, we can try our best to control what happens afterwards.
Call the police
Even if there are no injuries, you should still call the police. The police officer(s) who arrive will file a report, which you’ll need to file a claim with your insurance company. If the other party offers to pay you cash if you don’t call the police, do not accept this offer. When the officer(s) arrive, tell them what happened to the best of your ability. If you are asked if you are injured, say that you are not sure (don’t say no). Pain and injuries can become apparent hours or days after the accident happens. Also, don’t tell anyone the accident was your fault, even if you think it was.
Gather information from others involved in the accident
Write down any details, even if you don’t think they’ll be useful. Vehicle descriptions, license plate numbers, driver’s license numbers, insurance companies and policy numbers, accident scene location and/or address, and the police officer’s name and badge number are good things to take down.
Take pictures
Take photos of all vehicles, plus any injuries that you can tell you have.
Report the accident to your insurance
Call your insurance as soon as possible and report the accident. Make sure you take down the name of your claims specialist.
Keep a file
Keep every accident-related document together. Make sure you include your claim number, the claims adjuster who is handling the claim, the names and numbers of all contacts (including witnesses if there were any), and any other expenses incurred as a result of the accident (including doctor’s visits, chiropractor bills, etc).
Stay away from social media
For the time being, stay away from posting on social media. If a jury sees photos of you looking otherwise healthy, it might weaken your future claim.
Don’t sign any documents
Do not sign anything without consulting an attorney first, even something from your own insurance company (who might not have your best interests in mind).
Contact an attorney
If you’ve been in a car accident, schedule a FREE consultation with Chicago automobile collisions law firm Lyndsay Markley Law by calling (312) 523-2158 or emailing info@lmarkleylaw.com.
