Steps to Take after a Car Accident

 Posted on December 00, 0000 in Car Accidents

It may be difficult to deal with all of the aftermaths of a car accident. However, there are steps to take after you have been injured and your car has been damaged in an accident. You could face a number of challenges when it comes time to discussing medical care, treatments, rates with insurance companies, and other issues surrounding your damaged vehicle. Take these precautionary steps so that you will be prepared if you get into a car accident.

Stay at the scene of the accident and make sure to exchange information.

Do not leave the scene of an accident until appropriate to do so because you may face serious criminal penalties for being a hit-and-run driver. Once you are out of your vehicle and communicating with the other driver do not apologize and do not try to admit guilt unintentionally or unnecessarily.

Remember to get the names, numbers, addresses, driver's' license numbers, plate numbers, and basic insurance information from all passengers involved as well.

Call the police.

When there is damage, someone is injured, or even something as extreme as death, call the police immediately and ask for a police report to obtain names of responding officers.

Contact your insurance company.

Tell your insurance company you have been in an accident straightway. Remember to cooperate with your insurance company and give them as much detail as possible when explaining what happened at the accident. It would be beneficial to obtain and review the police report filed so that you can point out who was at fault.

Take pictures.

Photo documentation of what happened at the scene of the accident has the potential to help you out when dealing with insurance and court related issues.

Get a property damage valuation.

Gather your insurance company's damage valuation and once you agree upon your car's value you will be good to go but if not, consider mediation or consult an attorney.

Get your car fixed.

You can have your car fixed anywhere you want and your insurance will cover the damage. However, in some cases it can be difficult to determine if the cost to repair your vehicle will be more that it is worth.

If your call is totaled, pay off the money you owe on it.

When the cost to repair your car is more than what your car is worth then your car can be declared a total loss. If you still owe money on your car and you owe more on the loan than the car is worth, this can be an issue and you still must pay your loan back.

Rent a car if necessary.

Remember that a rental car will only be paid for by any insurance company for a reasonable amount of time while your car is being fixed of for you to find another vehicle if your car is declared a total loss.

Hire a car accident attorney.

If you have been injured or if your car has been damaged in a car accident, contact an experienced Orland Park car accident attorney immediately. We will provide you with the assistance you need when dealing with all of the issues surrounding your damaged vehicle. Call Issa Law, LLC at 708-966-2408 today for your free consultation.

Source:

http://money.usnews.com/money/personal-finance/articles/2013/12/17/7-steps-to-take-after-a-car-accident