Three Things To Do After a Car Crash
Becoming the victim of a car accident is never anyone’s intention when the day begins. Since this doesn’t stop crashes from happening, it is a good idea to educate yourself on some of the steps you should take to preserve your rights to file a claim. Knowing what to do in the event of an accident beforehand makes you more prepared and ready to take the steps that you need to should you need to file a personal injury claim.
Auto insurance coverage requirements vary from state to state, as does the law about what happens after an accident. Some states operate under a no-fault provision, which means each driver goes through their respective insurance companies regardless of who caused the crash. Other states divide fault among the parties, allowing the victim to recover a proportionate share of the damages. Regardless of what kind of law dictates in your state, you should still perform specific actions after a collision to make sure you have all you need to take care of yourself.
Get the Other Driver’s Information
Being able to identify and find the other driver in the days following a crash is crucial for your insurance company. When you do not have the driver’s information, it can slow down your case and make it difficult to move forward. Right after an accident, make sure to get the other driver’s basic information, such as their name, insurance, and the make and model of their vehicle. Adjusters launch investigations into findings of fault to ensure that the guilty party is held responsible and that company on the hook for damages, both to the vehicle, personal property and the occupants in the innocent vehicle. After you are sure everyone is safe, make sure you get the other driver’s:
- Driver’s license
- Insurance card (current)
- License plate number
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Take pictures of everything you can. The more photos that you are able to provide the better. You want to be able to give your insurance company what you can to help them locate the driver, especially if things don’t turn out to be on the up-and-up with one of the elements above. Some people don’t have insurance or a driver’s license, and therefore they either try and leave the scene or pass off expired documents.
Find Witnesses Who Saw the Crash
Don’t be afraid to canvas the area close to the crash and find someone who may have seen the incident. Third-party witnesses are people in other vehicles or the street where the accident took place. Passengers in cars do not typically count as witnesses as a relationship with the driver may bias them. If you find someone who saw the events, get their phone number and full name. Your insurance company will want to speak with them.
Call the Police
Immediately after the crash, you should always call the police. Even if the crash isn’t bad, a police report helpful during the claims process. This helps in your insurance company’s investigation, especially if the officer decided on who caused the crash and issued a ticket.
If you have been a victim of a car accident, you should reach out to a lawyer trusted by your community. In Des Moines, Iowa, Des Moines Injury Law, LLP is the trusted law firm to provide an experienced and dedicated auto accident lawyer. Contact Des Moines Injury Law, LLP to schedule a consultation with a Des Moines, IA auto accident lawyer today.
