The Only Car Accident Guide You’ll Ever Need

Motor vehicle collisions likely happen more often than you realize. According to Progressive Insurance Company, 36,164 automobile accidents occurred in the United States in 2021. Unfortunately, most people will be in at least one car accident.

Like a natural disaster, a crash is jarring and can leave anyone unsure of what to do next. This car accident guide will help you proceed during the sometimes chaotic aftermath of a collision.

Taking Action After an Accident

After a car collision, the first action is to snap out of your fear and confusion and contact emergency services. However, only take this step if you’re physically able to. If your accident is severe enough, something as seemingly simple as using your smartphone might not be possible.

Fortunately, another party or someone who witnessed your accident may notify the police or call 911. But it’s not always possible to know if or when bystanders call for help. So, it’s best to make this call yourself if it’s safe.

Receiving Medical Attention

At this point, help should be on its way to your automobile accident. During this time, your body has likely unloaded a steady stream of post-crash adrenaline. This bodily phenomenon can temporarily heighten your pain tolerance.

But don’t let any amped-up feelings determine whether or not you receive medical attention after an automobile accident. For one, injuries and the pain they cause often worsen in the days or sometimes weeks after a car crash. Having a medical professional look at and begin treating your injuries now could save you the pain of “toughing out” an injury.

Attending post-accident check-ups and appointments also documents the extent of your injuries. These documents can serve as proof of your injuries, which can help strengthen the validity of your claim.

Gathering Evidence

Medical documents are prime examples of evidence in a car accident case. As you might imagine, evidence can come in many other forms.

Besides medical documents, examples of valuable post-accident evidence can include:

• Video recordings of this accident
• Post-accident vehicle photos
• Witness statements
• Police reports

Looking over state and sometimes federal guidelines is crucial when gathering supporting documents. Having the paperwork or evidence required can ensure your post-accident claim is completed on time.

Determining Who’s at Fault

There’s almost no possibility of resolving a vehicle accident without determining who’s at fault. Sometimes, one driver is solely at fault. In other situations, drivers may share fault in percentages that aren’t always 50/50.

During simple accidents, at-fault drivers may not readily admit their guilt. However, even when things seem cut and dry, there’s no guarantee a guilty driver will fess up. After all, vehicle collisions often mean increased insurance expenses for at-fault drivers. There’s also being on the hook for the other party’s vehicle repairs and medical expenses.

In most cases, police officers will show up at the scene of your accident to create a report about it. However, that’s not always the case. If law enforcement doesn’t appear on the scene of an accident or doesn’t arrive within a considerable amount of time, most states require that at least one party reports it to the police.

If another driver is sneaking off like a thief and their insurance company isn’t taking responsibility for their actions, having a lawyer in your corner could be advisable. A skilled lawyer can negotiate for post-accident injury victims not receiving the treatment they deserve.

Speaking With Insurance Providers

After a car accident, communicating with insurance providers is another significant part of life. If they're not in the same business, you’ll typically need to report your accident to your insurance company and the other party’s insurance provider.

Initially, talking to insurance companies seems simple, like a chat. However, relationships between accident victims and insurance providers change considerably as post-accident compensation enters the picture.

Understandably, car crash survivors are looking for compensation for their expenses. However, being businesses, insurance companies often work like bulwarks for their client in negotiating with accident victims to provide the lowest possible settlement.

Hiring an Attorney

Is it required to hire an attorney after a car accident? No. However, having a lawyer guide you throughout the post-accident legal process feels like a court security blanket of comfort.

Several indicators you may need an attorney’s help include:

• The other party or parties aren’t admitting fault.
• You’re unsure if you’re at fault or how much fault you share.
• An insurance company is lowballing you or making no offer.
• Your accident caused significant damage to yourself, your passengers, or your vehicle.

Of course, hiring a lawyer is not winning the lottery. It does not guarantee a favorable outcome. Having legal representation doesn’t mean you’ll obtain a settlement or be victorious if your case goes to court. A lawyer's main benefit is helping you navigate often complex post-accident legal proceedings, like court insurance.

There’s no denying that a motor vehicle accident can shake up anyone’s life. Thankfully, most car crashes don’t cause severe or life-threatening injuries. Following the steps in this guide can help you get things back to normal as soon as possible.