Car accidents can be overwhelming and terrifying experiences. Whether it’s a minor fender bender or a major collision, it’s important to know what steps to take after a car accident to ensure your safety and protect your legal rights. In this post, we’ll outline a step-by-step guide on what to do after a car accident in Buffalo.
Step 1: Check for Injuries
The first step after a car accident is to check for injuries. If you or anyone else in the car is injured, call 911 immediately. It’s important to get medical attention as soon as possible, even if the injuries seem minor. If there are no injuries, move on to step 2.
Step 2: Call the Police
Even if there are no injuries, it’s important to call the police. They will come to the scene and file a report. The police report will be crucial if you need to file a claim with your insurance company or if you need to file a lawsuit.
Step 3: Exchange Information
After you’ve called the police, exchange information with the other driver. This includes:
- Names and contact information
- Insurance company and policy number
- Driver’s license number
- Vehicle make and model
It’s important to be polite and respectful while exchanging information. Avoid admitting fault or apologizing, as this could be used against you later.
Step 4: Document the Scene
Take photos of the accident scene, including any damage to the vehicles involved. This will be helpful when you file a claim with your insurance company or if you need to file a lawsuit. You should also get the names and contact information of any witnesses to the accident.
Step 5: Contact Your Insurance Company
Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Provide them with the information you gathered at the scene, including the police report and photos of the accident. Your insurance company will guide you through the next steps, such as getting your car repaired.
Step 6: Seek Medical Attention
Even if you didn’t feel injured at the scene, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries, such as whiplash, may not be immediately apparent. Seeking medical attention also creates a record of your injuries, which may be helpful if you need to file a lawsuit.
Step 7: Contact an Attorney
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, it’s important to contact an attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can help you navigate the legal process and ensure your rights are protected. They can also help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages.
Bonus Step:
Follow Up with Your Attorney
It’s also important to keep track of your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages related to the accident. Your attorney can help you calculate these costs and ensure that you’re getting the compensation you deserve.
Being involved in a car accident can be a frightening experience, but following these steps can help protect your legal rights and ensure a smoother recovery process. Remember, the most important thing is your safety and well-being, so seek medical attention if necessary and don’t hesitate to reach out to an attorney if you need help navigating the legal process.
If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Buffalo, don’t hesitate to contact an experienced attorney. They can help you understand your legal rights and ensure that you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages.
Andrews, Bernstein & Maranto, PLLC is a law firm that specializes in personal injury cases, including those related to car accidents. If you’ve been in a car accident and need help, here are some ways that Andrews & Bernstein can assist you:
Legal Representation: Andrews, Bernstein & Maranto, PLLC can provide legal representation if you need to file a personal injury claim or lawsuit following a car accident. We can help you navigate the legal process and work to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
Insurance Claims: Andrews, Bernstein & Maranto, PLLC can also help you with insurance claims. We can work with the insurance companies involved in the accident to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. Insurance claims can be complex and time-consuming, but having an experienced lawyer on your side can make the process much smoother.
Medical Referrals: If you’ve been injured in a car accident, Andrews, Bernstein & Maranto, PLLC can also provide medical referrals. We can connect you with doctors and other healthcare professionals who can evaluate your injuries and provide treatment. This can be particularly helpful if you don’t have a regular doctor or if you’re not sure where to turn for medical care.
Investigation: We can investigate the accident to determine who was at fault. We also can collect evidence, interview witnesses, and work with accident reconstruction experts to build a strong case on your behalf.
Negotiation: Finally, at Andrews, Bernstein & Maranto, PLLC we can negotiate with the other party’s insurance company to try to reach a settlement outside of court. If a settlement cannot be reached, they can represent you in court and fight for your rights.
In short, Andrews, Bernstein & Maranto, PLLC can provide a wide range of services to help you after a car accident, from legal representation to medical referrals to investigation and negotiation. If you’ve been in an accident and need help, it’s worth reaching out to them to see how they can assist you.