Car accidents are one of the most common and traumatic events someone can experience in their life. But with enough luck, you can transform this experience into a successful story. Read further to find out what should you do after an accident and how to do accident claims.
Everyone involved in an accident that has survived uninjured must now deal with an insurance company. Filling all those insurance claims can be a time-consuming and frustrating process. You just want your vehicle back in its good condition. However, if you do your research, you’ll see that with a little patience, you’ll be able to file your claim and receive back what you deserve.
What steps should you take immediately after the accident?
Contact the police
Depending on the type of accident you’ve suffered, you will need to contact the authorities. Calling 911 is very important when it comes to road traffic accidents. When doing so, the police department officers will document the details of the accident in agreement with the witnesses of all people involved, Documentation is crucial, as the insurance companies will use it first to determine who is at fault for the accident. Still, contact the police, no matter if the accident was minor, such as a crash in the parking spot or something alike. In case of a more severe accident, besides the police and the emergency services, you might want to contact a lawyer. Remember, you need someone to stay by your side if your case goes to court.
Get details from other parties involved
It is 100% your right to obtain the personal details of the other driver involved in the accident. Also, they are obligated to give you their personal details. If other people were involved in the accident, make sure you get their names, drivers’ license numbers, insurance info, and license plate number. You must also obtain information from witnesses; it is a very important step in the claiming process. However, they might not want to talk about the accident, as not all of them are willing to provide information about what they’ve seen. If so, don’t be rude to them: in most cases, most witnesses remain silent because they’re shy or emotional, but in reality, they do want to help you. So, make sure that you politely ask their phone numbers, names, and home addresses.
Before calling the insurance company, make sure you gather the most accurate and appropriate information to fill your claim. It’s an important step, as the insurance agent won’t be able to complete your claim unless they have certain information, such as:
- Your policy numbers
- Personal information (date of birth, age, phone number, home address)
- A description of the accident
Do not call the insurance company while you’re trying to figure out what happened. Keep in mind that documenting the accident and contacting the police immediately after the accident is crucial.
Move your car to a safer location
There are situations in which you might be able to move your car on the side of the road. Your vehicle might be blocking the traffic, so it’s important to clear the road. Also, make sure you turn on the hazard lights so that other drivers can see you and prevent other fatalities from happening further. Causing a second of a third accident is just what you need right now! Actually, this is how many accidents occur. When people that have been involved in accidents leave their vehicles in the middle of the street.
Moving your car out of the way so you can safely discuss the accident with the other driver is a wise thing to do. However, there might be situations in which you won’t be able to move your vehicle after an accident:
- If your car has been totally damaged
- If you or someone else is injured (moving the car can worsen the injuries)
- If there is debris on the road because of the accident
The most severe accidents on the road usually require all cars to be left in the same position in which they’ve stopped. The police will come to the scene of the accident to take pictures, measure, and collect information and physical evidence. If the vehicles are moved, it will be hard for the police officers to determine who was at fault.
Hire a lawyer
One of the best things to do right after a car accident is to contact UK personal injury claims specialists. They’ll provide you lots of helpful information on claims, such as if you’re eligible to claim compensation, how much can you claim, and the claims process explained. Wondering how should you pay the lawyer? Don’t worry: if your lawyer wins the claim, you pay them at the end of the case. But if he or she doesn’t win, then you pay nothing to no one. However, these figures can vary, as law firms’ figures can differ.
How to make a claim?
If you’ve been injured in a road accident, either in the UK or abroad, it’s time to claim compensation. It is not just those people who drive motorbikes or bicycles that are involved in road accidents most often. Being involved in an accident can cause minor to severe injuries. Luckily, you can discuss your case with a lawyer.
Stay in contact with your lawyer – it’s key to maintain good communication and make sure that they remain proactive on your claim. If necessary, request a timeline of your claim. However, a good lawyer will always be focused on solving your case as soon as possible.
Keep in mind that you only have three years after the accident to file a claim. Exceptions might include children below 18 years old who are involved in accidents. They can file a claim after they turn 18 years old. Have a copy of the police report – it will matter most when making a claim.