Been in an Accident? What to Do Before You Call a Car Accident Lawyer

1. August 3, 2017 Been in an Accident? What to Do Before You Call a Car Accident Lawyer No one wants to be involved in a car accidents, but it can happen to anyone at any given time. Making matters worse is the fact that the accident happened even if you’re exercising diligent care in driving. A car accident can be an incredibly stressful event, but like any dangerous situation, caution is important. Make sure to keep a clear head and remember to take these steps should you find yourself in a car accident. 1

2. Practice Safety You safety should always come first, and you should take measures in expectation of the worst case scenario. All drivers should carry cones, emergency signals, or flares in the case of a fender bender. Accidents can happen anywhere and at any time of the day, and identifying the accident to passing drivers can significantly decrease further risk of injury to yourself or your vehicle. If moving your car to a safe place is possible, be sure to do so and signal to any other drivers to follow suit. Remember that even a minor accident can have a major effect on nerves and the adrenal system. Take a deep breath and gather your senses before leaving the vehicle. Taking a calm and measured approach to the situation can have an effect on the outcome if you do need to pursue litigation in the matter. Protect Your Interests Injuries to yourself and damage to your vehicle may not be immediately apparently. Problems like whiplash may not appear for days, and what may seem like minor cosmetic damage could signify far more serious internal problems with your car, van, or truck. To ensure your interests are properly represented, documenting the situation is important. Always call the police so that you'll have an official record of the accident, and be sure to be honest, detailed, and accurate in your statement. Collect Information Never leave the scene of the accident without first collecting the pertinent information from all parties involved. This includes a name, insurance information, and license plate number. Be sure to get in contact with your insurance company. The only paperwork you should sign is that presented by a police officer or your personal insurance agent. 2

3. Depending on the particular situation, there may be other forms of information that might be useful. Taking pictures of the accident scene or collecting statements (and contact information) from witnesses can go a long way towards your case and provide you with the evidence you need in case the situation makes its way to court. A strong paper trail can mean the difference between a meager payout and a fair settlement. If Necessary, Pursue Litigation Despite your best attempts at performing due diligence, problems can always arise. Perhaps the officer or insurance companies ruled against you despite your certainty that you were not at fault. Or maybe the opposing insurance company is paying you less than seems fair for the accident. Whether you need compensation for bodily harm, vehicular damage, or other circumstances, you'll need assistance in court. A car accident lawyer who specializes in situations like these may be your best option. They can provide you with a better understanding of the law surrounding your case and the forms of recourse available to you. About Little, Oliver & Gallagher: Since Little, Oliver & Gallagher opened its doors in 2000, we have been helping injured individuals fight for the compensation they deserve. A veteran of the legal industry, our team has been making an impact in the field of workers compensation. We make sure that our clients will receive all of the compensation needed for their recovery. Sources: What to Do After a Car Accident, statefarm.com What to Do After a Car Accident, nerdwallet.com What to do after a car accident that's not your fault, insure.com 3