A step by step guide to make sure that your rights are protected after an automobile accident. These steps will preserve any valid claims that you may have and will make sure that you receive the best available medical care for your injuries.
1
Obtain the necessary information at the scene.
After an automobile accident, you should obtain the other driver's name, address, phone number, insurance information and driver's license number. The vehicle owner's name, address, tag number and insurance information is also important. If you are involved in a hit and run accident, the police must be called. In other accidents, the police may be called to write a report and help collect the necessary information. Also, if there are witnesses to the accident take down their names, phone numbers and addresses.
2
Call your own insurance company.
As a policy holder, you are contractually obligated to notify your insurance company of an accident within a reasonable time. This is particularly important if the other driver is uninsured. If the other driver is uninsured, then you would need to pursue a claim against your own insurance company.
3
Do not give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurance company before contacting a lawyer.
You are under no legal obligation to provide such a statement and the insurance company, if possible, will use the statement against you. A lawyer should take care of all communications with the liability adjuster.
4
Contact the other drivers insurance company to have your car repaired.
If the other driver's insurance company has completed its investigation and accepted responsibility, then they should agree to fix your car. If they deny your request, then under your collision coverage, your insurance company will repair the car. Your own insurance company may then pursue the other driver's insurance company to recover the amount paid. If your insurance company is successful, then they will collect the deductible and reimburse you.
5
Contact a lawyer before giving a recorded statement to your own insurance company.
If the driver of the other vehicle is uninsured, then you may need to pursue a claim against your own insurance company. You have a duty to cooperate with your own insurance company, but it is important to consult with a lawyer before providing such a statement.
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