When a road Accident occurs, the drivers involved must take certain actions. If the accident caused personal injury or property damage, you may only have up to seven days to report the accident to the appropriate bodies. A claims adjuster will be appointed to process your claim and assess the total amount of damage.
But what do you need to do before you head to court? Here are your next steps to getting your legal case settled and focusing on your health.Â
Things to Do After a Car Accident
After a car accident, you may feel like youâre at a loss. You may be unsure where to start when it comes to seeking the funds you need for recovery from your accident. Hereâs the good newsâyour lawyer can help you through the most difficult parts of your car accident, preventing any mistakes that could hurt your chances of recovery.Â
Here are some of the first steps you may need to take when youâre hurt in a car accident:Â
Call 911 if anyone has been injured
Exchange information with the other driver
Ask witnesses about the accident
Take pictures of the incident scene
Take detailed notes about the accident scene
Report the accident to the police
Notify your auto insurer
Presentation of a Complaint
Most Insurance contracts require the insured to complete a written statement or âproof of lossâ. If you do not submit your claim within the prescribed time frame, your insurer may not be legally bound to honor it. In practice, most insurers should honor any claims made within one year. Hereâs what you should do:
Complete a âProof of Lossâ within 90 days of the accident
Inform the other driver of the claim against them (if applicable)
Inform the insurance company of the other driver (if applicable)
Review your insurance contract and contractual guarantee amounts if you plan to sue your insurer
If you have purchased collision or all perils coverage, your insurer will compensate you. You must not voluntarily assume any responsibility whatsoever for an accident or settle a claim yourself, except at your own expense.
Worried that your insurance company isnât willing to work with you? You can contact a Largo car accident attorney for advice and to look out for your interests.
How to Document Your Insurance Claim
First, take pictures with your cell phone and sketch the accident scene. Note the position of the vehicles. Your lawyer has the tools to get detailed pictures and even contact a reconstruction expert if there are any questions about the details of your accident.Â
It is important to record all the details of the accident and communicate them to your claims adjuster. That includes the circumstances of the accident, the speed at which your vehicle was traveling, road conditions, and contact and insurance information for drivers, passengers, and witnesses.
Talk to a Car Accident Attorney
You should talk to a car accident attorney after you have been involved in an auto crash or any other type of car accident to help you file a complaint as soon as possible.Â
The lawyers at Lopez & Humphries, PA can help, beginning with a free consultation when you call 863-709-8500 or visit our website. Reach out when youâre ready to prepare for a car accident claim.Â