I Just Got in a Car Accident – What Should I Do?

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After you get into a car accident, your adrenaline starts pumping, and it is hard to get a level head, which is obvious given the stressful situation you were just in. Being prepared for an accident or engaging in defense driving are the best prevention options. However, some auto accidents are unavoidable.

We hope you’re reading this blog post as a preventative measure, but if not, don’t panic! JD Haas is here to help if you’ve recently been in an auto accident. Our team of car crash injury lawyers knows the basics of navigating the post-car-crash scene like the back of their hands.

Continue reading for expert advice on what to do after you get into a car accident.

Step 1: Assess the situation and get yourself to safety.

Provided nobody was injured, and your vehicle still works, pull off to a safe location and take a moment to breathe. If the accident isn’t too serious, it is okay to stand next to your car, as long as you aren’t directly blocking traffic or on the road. In situations where you aren’t the only driver in the accident, pull into an adjacent parking lot.

Those who get into a serious accident likely won’t be able to drive their car away, so they should be far away from their car and, therefore, should be prioritizing treatment above all else. If you aren’t too hurt, don’t forget to check on the condition of the other driver. Also, make sure your passengers are okay.

Regardless of whether it was a serious accident or not, you need to call 911 to get the police to come and file a report. Additionally, turn off your car engines whenever your car is pulled over.

Step 2: Exchange insurance information with the other driver.

Not all auto accidents are caused by more than one driver, but if it was, be ready to share the following information:

  • First and Last Name

  • Phone Number, Email, or Other Piece of Contact Information

  • Insurance Policy Number

  • Insurance Company Name

  • Car Make and Model

  • Driver’s License

  • Location of Accident

Consult your state’s official government website for location-specific information.

When exchanging information, don’t automatically get into arguments about whose fault it was. Those squabbles are handled during the insurance claim process.

Step 3: Call your insurance company.

They will tell you what actions to take next, and many policies require that you deal with this sort of situation quickly.

It goes without saying, but never admit fault at the scene of a car accident. Doing so can be legally damaging and can lead to a headache of an insurance-claim process.

After that, can you go on your (not so) merry way and forget about the accident until your insurance company gets back to you? Not if you’ve been physically harmed.

As a team of car accident lawyers, we have one more piece of advice that anyone who has undergone the trauma of a car accident should follow.

Step 4: Call a personal injury lawyer.

Especially when life changing injuries are involved, it’s critical to connect with a car accident lawyer. If you’re hurt because of someone else’s negligence, you may want to file a personal injury lawsuit. 

A personal injury lawyer can do several things to ensure your post-car-accident process goes smoothly and seamlessly.

Get the Most Out of Your Insurance Claim

Insurance companies are not always the most generous of entities. You need the help of a competent injury lawyer on your side, one who knows all the loopholes and will fight for the settlement you deserve.

Determine Whether You Should File a Lawsuit

Such legal action can, additionally, help you receive the monetary compensation that you deserve.

Simply the Insurance Process

Insurance is complicated, but you don’t need us to tell you that. When you invest in the help of a car injury lawyer, interpreting your policy becomes simple and stress-free.

Access Expertise and Resources to Help Your Case 

Handling a legal battle with combating opinions about an accident alone is challenging. Personal injury lawyers have many qualities and connections that make it easy for them to prepare your case, so there is no need to take time away from your recovery.

Contact JD Haas & Associates for Passionate Legal Help

Our Minneapolis team is ready to fight for your rights and the justice you deserve. Give us a call now at (952) 234-2925.

In addition to Minnesota, our firm is licensed to practice in multiple states. Check out our service areas here.

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