5 Tips if you get into an Auto Accident

5 Tips if you get into an Auto Accident

Getting into an auto accident isn’t ever something that someone wishes would happen.

There are some ways that can make an already challenging situation a little less stressful on you — now and in the future as well. Here are five important tips to remember if you have been in a car wreck.

1. Get Everyone’s Information
   

   Getting the vital information of everyone involved is one of the most important things to do while you’re still on the scene of the accident. Some examples of the information you’ll want to get include proof of insurance, their driver’s license number and vehicle information. You can take a picture of their license, insurance card and the vehicle — complete with its license plate.

2. Call the Police

   Many people are reluctant to get the police involved for fear that their insurance rates will go up. If the other driver(s) contest your version of the events or — worse still — try to blame you for causing the accident, it will come down to their word against yours. Having the police on the scene allows for an objective official to establish what really happened and make a record of it. Make sure you get the police report number because you’ll need that at a later date.

3. Get Medical Attention

   Another crucial tip to remember is to get medical attention. While this might seem obvious if you are injured in the accident, some people may think they didn’t suffer any injuries, or they had some minor bumps or bruises.If you have been in a car accident, you should always get checked out by a doctor.  Often times after an accident occurs, there is a sense of shock and any injuries aren’t immediately obvious. It’s only after a day or two that soreness and bruises begin to appear. If you have any injuries at all, remember to document them throughout the healing process.

4. Document, Document, Document

   Start taking notes and pictures of everything immediately, if possible. Take pictures of any property damage as well as your injury. As soon as possible after the accident, write down a detailed timeline including dates, times, places and people involved. Make sure to include those crucial items such as the fact that you needed assistance with your daily activities such as dressing, bathing and cooking. You should also make a note of those things that you find are more difficult to do after your accident. The more detailed the better it will be for your case.

5. Check Your Own Insurance

   You’ll want to know if you have uninsured motorist coverage in case the person who hit you doesn’t have auto insurance. You might also have personal injury protection which provides money that can help with your medical bills. The key takeaway here is to know what’s available with your own insurance coverage.

And a final tip – Talk to an Attorney

If you’ve been in an accident, you are going to need someone who is in your corner and who has your best interest at heart. A good attorney is there to educate you, so you know your options. The best thing about retaining an attorney is that most provide a free evaluation of your case. In addition, most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis rather than hourly billing. This means that the attorney will receive a percentage of whatever they are able to recover for you, without you having to come out of pocket upfront for attorney fees and court expenses.

Getting into a car accident can be a life-changing experience. By following our helpful tips outlined above, you can help minimize its impact on your daily life. As always, contact the Harris Cook Law Firm at (817) 275-8765if you have any questions or need to speak to an experienced personal injury attorney. Harris Cook has convenient offices located in Mansfield, Arlington and Flower Mound.

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