Most people who are involved in an accident that is their fault will be asking themselves what they should do. The law says that all drivers who share the road must take reasonable care to avoid injury to others, but what this means in particular circumstances depends on many factors.
Car accidents happen all the time. You might not have realized that you caused one. Perhaps you should have been paying more attention to what is going on around you. If you have been involved in a car accident that was your fault, there are a few important things you should do immediately.
Steps to Take After Causing a Car Accident
- Check for injuries
You should also keep in mind that accidents happen all the time, which means they aren’t an emergency for most drivers. If you are injured during the accident, or think you might be, call an ambulance. If you are not injured, but anyone else is, call the emergency services immediately.
- Call the police
If there is an accident, call the police right away. This helps them to investigate the situation, figure out what happened, identify who might be responsible for it, and file an official report. Moreover, it ensures that anyone who needs help gets it. This process takes time because it is difficult to reconstruct what happened in just one hour. You should call the police so that you can get a police report. You should stay honest and as accurate as possible to the police.
- Collecting evidence
When there is a serious car accident, collecting evidence is crucial. Accidents generate many different pieces of evidence. At the scene of the accident, it is best to document all evidence by snapping pictures. To have evidence that you are telling the truth after an accident, taking photographs from different angles could be useful.
- Call your car insurance company
As soon as your car is involved in an accident, the first thing you should do is notify the insurance company right away. Try to get as much information as possible. When and where was the accident? Who was involved? What did you see and what do you remember? The more information, the better.
The insurance company will ask for information, including whether there is a police report, because they document what happened and begin the claim after a crash. In most cases, this is the easiest way to work out how you should handle things. However, if your insurance company has been difficult or unhelpful, then there are a few other options that might work.
- Call a car accident attorney
After an accident, the thought of following up with your car insurance company may sound overwhelming. If you have been physically injured, this makes sense. Every state has different rules and regulations with regard to car accidents. You should make sure to talk to an attorney who will review the case and do what they can to get you the best settlement for your vehicle and other damages.
When an accident happens, you are likely to have many questions running through your mind. What should I do? What if the other driver lies about what happened? Whose insurance will pay for my car repairs or medical expenses? How do I deal with this situation emotionally? The first thing that usually goes through people’s minds after an accident is whether the other driver was at fault.
But determining who really caused the crash can be complicated. Even if you believe you caused the accident, in many cases the other party shares at least some of the liability. A qualified attorney can determine what share of liability they may share.
Do you need a police report to file an insurance claim?
A car insurance claim is the process of filing a claim on behalf of an insured party if their vehicle has been damaged or destroyed by an accident or event. A police report is a good place to start.
If there was a police officer at the scene, they usually fill out a report that includes their opinion on who caused the crash. The biggest problem with these reports is that they can be subjective and wrong. Was the weather clear? Was it nighttime? Were there any obstructions, such as other cars or a highway barrier? The more complicated the crash, the harder it is for an officer to determine who really caused it.
In most states, if there is no police report, you can still file a claim with your insurance company as long as there are no injuries and both vehicles involved in the accident are driveable. In that case, your insurance company will do its own investigation and come to a decision about who is at fault.
Some of the damages you may be entitled to in your claim can include:
- Repair or replacement of your vehicle
- Hospital bills
- Lost pay from work (such as if you had to miss time)
- Expenses for dependents (such as child care while you were in the hospital)
Car accidents are frightening and destructive incidents that can be devastating to anyone involved. It is best to find a qualified car accident lawyer in San Antonio as quickly as possible after a wreck.
Call Khattar Law, PC today for a free consultation with a member of our team. We fight for justice for our clients involved in car accidents. Let an experienced car accident lawyer in San Antonio handle your case.