Handling A Car Accident From Start To Finish
Nobody wants to deal with a car accident. It’s a tough scenario, especially if you aren’t sure what steps to take. But the fact is auto accidents happen all the time. They are a common occurrence on our highways and occasional in our cities and towns.
However, you can handle a motor vehicle accident from start to finish. You can professionally recover from a car accident. You do not need to stress over this event any longer than you need to. Seek advice from a personal injury attorney in San Luis Obispo to make your life easier. Otherwise, you can read on for more information on how to handle a car accident.
Types of Car Accidents
Rollover
These crashes are complex and violent. Rollovers demonstrate the interaction of the driver, road, vehicle, and environment.
A car’s model is essential, but the driver’s actions and the road and environmental conditions are also important. In addition, speed, alcohol intake, and location are also considered in this type of car accident.
Single car crash
This is a single-car road traffic collision.
- Among the most common mishaps:
- Off-roading
- Debris collisions
- Rollovers
- Animal collisions
Rear-ended crash
A traffic collision occurs when an automobile collides with another. These are typically caused by inattention, tailgating, panic stops, and reduced traction due to uncertain weather conditions.
Side-impact crash
These events occur when the side of one or more automobiles gets impacted. Most deaths occur at intersections, parking lots, and when two cars pass on a route. A side-impact collision may be fatal, but the result depends on where the automobile hits.
A direct hit
The front ends of two autos collide in this manner. Head-on accidents are usually fatal. Keeping an eye out for traffic signals, road conditions, and staying in your lane helps avoid these incidents.
Common Causes
Automobile accidents are a terrifying thing that can happen to a road user, notwithstanding their frequency. The most unfortunate element is that we never learn from our mistakes on the road.
While most motorists are aware of the fundamental rules and safety measures that apply to road use, it is the negligence of a few road users that results in accidents and wrecks.
Accidents and crashes are caused mainly by human error.
Following are the most common human actions that result in accidents.
- Speeding excessively
- Drunk driving (driving under the influence of alcoholic drinks)
- Driving while distracted (texting while driving)
- Jumping red light
- Ignoring safety devices like seat belts or helmets
- Reckless Driving
- Imprudent driving
Typical Automobile Accident Injuries
- Broken bones
- Burns and scarring
- Head and neck trauma
- Brain injuries (traumatic brain)
- Bodily Injury
- Bruise (Whiplash-soft tissue injuries)
- Back and spinal cord trauma.
- Permanent disability or paralysis
- Wrongful death
What to Do After a Car Accident?
Assure everyone’s safety after an accident.
The first thing to do is check on everyone (hint: this involves people and accident victims other than you). Examine all those hurt in the crash.
For serious injuries, caution is advised – not all car accident injuries are evident. Anybody involved in the crash who feels dizzy or out of it should call 911 or their state’s emergency highway aid hotline.
Collect evidence and data.
Your automobile accident may seem minor, but you should collect proof right away. The accident scene and any property damage or injuries should be photographed if another driver or insurance company contests your claim.
Take images of:
- Scene of the accident
- Position of the car
- Vehicle flaws
- Property damage
- Road conditions
- Road signs
- Anything that clarifies your circumstance
Witnesses to the automobile collision and the events leading up to it may also corroborate your version of events. Physical evidence and memories degrade with time. Therefore it’s vital to prove your claim soon.
Identify the other drivers.
Note the contact information of any other drivers involved in the collision.
- Name and Address
- Phone Number
- Birthdate
- License data
- Insurance Info
- License Plate Number
- Insurance Policy number
Even a minor accident should be reported to the police.
A police report is required after a car accident. A written agreement protects all parties. If you are in a car wreck with an uninsured motorist, call the police. In certain states, it’s mandatory.
In any event, you should let the cops decide whether or not to react. Once you’ve called the cops, you’ve made efforts to protect yourself and follow the law. This will help if a case is brought later.
Notify your insurance adjuster as soon as possible!
If you are a part of any kind of property damage or injury accident, contact your adjuster to report it. This is true whether your insurance is via your carrier or another’s insurance agent.
Car Accident: When to Call Your Insurance Company?
Contact your insurance carrier within 72 hours of any incidence that might lead to a claim. Your policy may specify notification dates or require policyholders to notify the insurer “within a reasonable time.”
Examine your car accident claim alternatives
First-party and third-party claims are two types of car insurance claims.
A third-party claim is made to the insurance company of another person or firm. Most insurers protect third parties injured by their actions.
Your claim will rely on who was at fault, the nature of the incident, and the available insurance coverage. Example: If you cause an accident while driving, you should file a first-party claim with your vehicle insurance company.
But if you were hit by a car while crossing the street or hit by another car, you must file a third-party claim with the driver’s insurance carrier.
To submit a third-party personal injury claim, go to the company or property owner’s insurance carrier. These claims include both bodily and property loss.
Why Hire an Attorney?
It may seem more straightforward to manage a vehicle accident on your own. But this is far from the reality. Hiring a personal injury attorney may ease your recovery process and protect you from unethical insurance adjusters. Among the advantages of employing an attorney:
Lesser evils of the insurance industry
That’s why you need a skilled San Luis Obispo automobile accident lawyer on your side. Your lawyer may sue the insurance company if they behave unfairly.
Filing Required Forms
Both a car accident claim and a personal injury lawsuit need documentation. This paperwork must be filled correctly and on time to achieve a successful conclusion. Incorrectly filled documents or neglect to submit documentation might cause significant delays and prevent you from getting needed funds.
Deadlines
A vehicle accident lawyer will ensure you don’t miss any important deadlines, such as the statute of limitations. In certain circumstances, accident victims have just a limited time to make a claim, so your lawyer will work fast to safeguard your rights.
Increased Compensation
Those who hire a lawyer are paid more. Insurers realize that lawyers know how to develop a case. They will battle significant insurance companies to ensure that ALL of your medical bills are considered — now and in the future.
Most automobile accident attorneys operate on contingency. No money is due unless they win or settle your lawsuit. Anyone wounded in an accident may seek justice — not just the wealthy.
A thorough investigation – lawyers have investigated many vehicle accidents. This includes parties not named in the police report, such as the automobile manufacturer, the city in charge of maintaining the roads, or a bar that served an alcoholic motorist.
A car accident attorney’s main goal is to get you reimbursed for expenses like:
- Medical Bills
- Medical Attention
- Medical Treatment
- Making good on the damages in property
- Losses
- Pain and Suffering
San Luis Obispo Personal Injury Law Firm – We Are Always Available!
Generally, there is no single response to the premises outlined in the article above. Every accident is different, with its own set of facts and legal issues. We hope our tips make the process easier and faster.
However, accidents can always happen, and they should never be taken lightly. If you find yourself hit by a car, make sure to get in touch with a competent San Luis Obispo Personal Injury Attorney to handle all legal matters related to the accident.
