Steps To Take If You’re Involved In A Car Accident
The average person will be in a car accident once every 18 years. Yet, that statistic doesn’t make car accidents any less complicated. After an accident, you must get medical help, figure out what to do with your damaged car and make a claim with your insurance company. You may even need to work through the difficult emotions and financial challenges that come with serious physical injuries or the death of a loved one. The confusion, frustration, depression and anger can be overwhelming. Determining what to do next can seem like an insurmountable task.
We want to help. At Paoletti & Gusmano, Attorneys at Law, in Bridgeport, we have more than five decades of experience helping individuals throughout Connecticut work through challenging life events, including serious and catastrophic auto accidents. Turn to us for a free, no-obligation consultation. Call 203-371-1000 today.
Five Steps To Take After A Car Crash
So what should you do after a car crash? The answer to this question depends on your physical state and the facts surrounding your car accident. Here are five initial steps you can take to help your car accident claim:
1) Document the accident. If you are relatively unharmed, document the accident by:
- Taking pictures of the accident scene, including your car, the other person’s car and any damage on the ground
- Taking down the names and numbers of any witnesses to the accident
- Exchanging insurance information, names, numbers and license plate numbers with the other driver(s)
2) Seek medical attention. No matter what your injuries, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. This is true even if you feel you will heal on your own. Many symptoms of potentially lifelong injuries do not appear until weeks, even months after an accident. By getting medical help now, you can start the healing process sooner and secure the compensation you need to get appropriate medical care for your injuries.
3) Call the police. No matter how much property damage or how great the injuries in a car accident, it is a good idea to call the police. They will document your accident for legal purposes documentation that could help your accident claim.
4) Call your insurance company. Let your insurance company know that the accident occurred, but make sure to steer clear of any discussions about fault or how the accident happened. Insurance companies like to pry information out of people before they have the facts themselves. Answer “who,” “what,” “where” and “when,” but let your attorney investigate your accident and provide your insurance company with the “how.”
5) Seek legal help. Many people choose not to seek legal help after a car crash because they don’t think the cost of legal representation is worth it. Yet, by talking to an attorney, you have nothing to lose and potentially a lot to gain.
Contact Us For A Free Consultation
At Paoletti & Gusmano, Attorneys at Law, we offer free consultations with no obligation to hire us. During our consultation, we will discuss your case and your options for recovering compensation. Remember: insurance companies care about their bottom lines more than your financial security. Their first settlement offers never cover the full extent of their insured’s injuries.
Let us help you get full and fair compensation. Call our experienced lawyers at 203-371-1000 or contact us via email.