After being involved in a car accident, there are some specific steps you’ll need to take so you can receive medical attention, compensation, and other care. If you are prepared beforehand, you’ll know what to do after your accident. The following are some steps you should take.
Take Care of Business at the Scene
There are some things you’ll need to take care of right at the scene of your accident. For example, you should swap insurance information with the other driver. You should also call the police so an officer can make a report of the incident, as well as to receive medical care by the responding paramedics. If you’re not injured badly, you can collect evidence such as pictures, witness information, and other types of evidence to support your case.
Contact the Insurance Companies
You’ll need to contact your insurance company to make a report of your accident. You don’t need to give too many details at this point because fault may still be being determined. If the other driver is at fault, you may want to contact his or her insurance provider to inform them you plan to make a claim at a future date.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer
Your lawyer can help you work through everything after your accident. He or she may be able to help you with the claims process whether the insurance companies are being difficult or helpful. Your lawyer can help you collect the right type of evidence if you plan to take the case to court. If the other driver or his or her insurance company is calling you and bothering you, your lawyer can help you take action against them.
Your lawyer can also help you get everything filed on time. Whether you’re filing a claim with the insurance company or a case with the court against the other driver, there are time limits you have to follow. Every state has a different statute of limitations that gives individuals a certain amount of time to file a case before forfeiting the right to compensation. Many states allow around two years, though there are some outliers at both ends of the spectrum.
Getting Started Today
Regardless of the route you plan to take after your car accident, it’s nice to have someone on your side. Contact a car accident lawyer, like a car accident lawyer in Green Bay, WI, so you can learn what to do next and how long you have to complete each step.
Thanks to Hickey & Turim for their insight into taking the proper steps after a car accident.