Time is of the essence when dealing with the aftermath of an automobile accident. There is limited time after the cars collide to gather evidence and collect witness statements. If the law enforcement officer responding to the scene does not put enough information in the report, it could be challenging for a driver to get an appropriate settlement from the insurance company. There are specific steps a driver needs to take after being involved in an accident.
Contact Law Enforcement
The local police department may go to the scene and complete a thorough investigation. They should take photos of both cars and talk to any witnesses who remained at the scene. Although the police typically file a report, their report doesn’t replace a driver’s own documentation. It complements it. A driver should take photos of their car and the other driver’s vehicle before the vehicles are moved. It’s also important to get contact information from anyone who witnessed the crash and provide it to their Accident Attorney in College Park.
Contact Insurance Company
Insurance companies want to know immediately when their policyholders are involved in accidents. Many of them have mobile apps that allow drivers to report claims without even making a phone call. Agents sometimes provide their mobile phone numbers or Facebook information to allow clients to text them instead of calling. They may travel to the scene themselves to begin the claim or send an adjuster to gather the appropriate information.
Seek Medical Attention
Anyone injured in an accident should get medical attention right away. Accident victims should not worry about costs because those expenses are paid through the insurance settlement.
Contact an Attorney
Any driver that incurs significant property damage or is injured in an accident should contact an Accident Attorney in College Park as soon as possible. An attorney may conduct their own investigation. Drivers should provide them with any information and witness statements they have collected.
Hiring an attorney could speed up the claims process and help a driver get their settlement faster. Drivers who don’t hire Jaklitsch Law Group could spend months trying to settle their claim or even worse, settle for a lower amount than they deserve.
