What to Do When You're Involved in a Car Accident in the United States

When you’re involved in an accident.

the last thing you want to think about is what to do next. The injuries you sustain are likely already a source of stress and pain, and the prospect of dealing with insurance companies can seem overwhelming. 

But being prepared and knowing your rights can make all the difference when it comes to making sure you're compensated fairly for the injuries you've sustained and any other losses that have occurred as a result of this accident. 

To help you through this process, we've created this comprehensive guide on what to do when you're involved in a car accident in the United States.

Contact the Police.

You should call the police and file an accident report. The police will need your name, address, and driver's license number. If you don't have your driver's license with you, they may ask you for other identification like your social security number or passport. They'll also want to know who was driving, what happened during the accident, and how much damage was done to each car.

Documenting your injuries with photos and videos.

It's important to document your injuries with photos and videos right after an accident, so that you can better prove your case if you choose to pursue legal action. If you have any other records of what happened, like video from a dash cam or photos of skid marks, it is also recommended that you keep those on hand as well.

Get checked by a doctor.

If you are involved in an accident, you should get checked out by a doctor as soon as possible. If there is any damage that needs to be repaired, getting it taken care of quickly can help prevent more serious injuries from developing. The doctor will also examine your medical history and determine if there is anything else that could cause issues later on down the line.

Keeping records of expenses.

Make sure you keep records of any expenses related to your car accident. This includes things like gas, mileage, and lost wages if you can't work due to injuries sustained in the collision. It's also important to take pictures of your vehicle after the crash and before it's repaired so that you have evidence of how it looked before and after. If you have medical expenses related to this car accident, be sure to save all receipts for these as well.

Know how fault is determined.

If you are involved in a car accident, you will want to determine whether or not it was your fault. If you can't figure out who is at fault, you may need to file an insurance claim with both parties. 

The law varies by state, but when someone else is at-fault for an accident, they may be responsible for paying damages such as medical expenses and property damage.

Should you call an attorney?

If you are involved in a car accident, it is likely that you will have many questions and concerns. From medical treatment and insurance claims to legal issues and what to do next, it can be overwhelming. 

One question that may come up is if you should call an attorney. Below are some reasons why you might want to contact an attorney following your accident.

*The police will investigate any accidents that happen within their jurisdiction, but they may not always determine who was at fault.

Negotiate with insurance companies.

After any type of accident, you should contact your insurance company and ask them what you need to do. They will tell you if they have contacted the other driver's insurance company and what needs to be done next. 

If possible, take pictures of the accident scene, including all vehicles involved and any objects that were damaged or thrown from one vehicle into another vehicle or onto another property. 

If someone was injured at the scene, get their name and address as well as their phone number.

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