What to Do After An Accident: 7 Important Steps to Follow

Taking these steps can help protect yourself and your loved ones after an accident.

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No one ever wants to be in an accident. But if you are, there are some essential steps you need to follow to ensure that you and the people dear to you are taken care of. Here are seven important things to do after an accident:

1. Seek Medical Attention

It is essential to seek medical attention after an accident for a few reasons. First, you must ensure you are actually injured and not just in shock. Second, even if your injuries seem minor, it is vital to get them checked out by a professional. Third, seeking medical attention will help create a record of your injuries which can be used later if you need to file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. And finally, getting prompt medical treatment can sometimes mean the difference between a full recovery and long-term complications.

Prompt treatment is vital when you file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit because it will help establish the cause and extent of your injuries. If you wait too long to get treated, the other driver’s insurance company may use it to argue that your injuries are not as serious as you claim or that they were caused by something other than the accident.

In Tennessee, if you got involved in a car accident, you have up to a year from the date of the accident or injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, it is always best to seek medical attention and gather evidence immediately after an accident. An experienced Tennessee car accident lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and ensure your rights are protected. Sometimes, hospitals in Tennessee can file liens on any personal injury settlements or verdicts you receive to recoup the cost of your medical treatment. An experienced attorney can help you negotiate with hospitals to reduce or eliminate these liens.

2. Call the Police

After making sure that everyone is fine, you should call the police so that they can arrive at the scene and make a report. This report will be important later on for filing an insurance claim or taking legal action against the other driver. Even if the accident seems minor, it is still a good idea to call the police so that you have a record of what happened.

3. Exchange Information with the Other Driver

Once the police have arrived, you will want to exchange information with the other driver involved in the accident. Make sure to get their name, contact information, insurance information, and license plate number. It would help if you also took pictures of the other driver’s car to document the damage.

4. Take Pictures of the Scene

In addition to taking pictures of the other driver’s car, you will also want to take your own pictures of the accident scene. Be sure to get pictures of any damage to your car, as well as any skid marks or debris that may be present. These pictures can be helpful later on when filing an insurance claim or taking legal action.

5. Speak to Witnesses

If any witnesses saw what happened, be sure to get their contact information so that you can speak to them later on. Their testimony could be vital if you file an insurance claim or take legal action against the other driver.

6. File an Insurance Claim

After the accident, you will want to contact your own insurance company to file a claim. Even if you were not at fault for the accident, you would still need to go through your insurance company to get reimbursed for any damages. Sometimes, your insurance company may require you to file a police report before processing your claim.

7. Contact a Personal Injury Attorney

If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident, it is essential to contact a personal injury attorney who can help you understand your rights and options. An experienced attorney in your locality can help you navigate the claims process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

No one ever wants to be in an accident. It also can’t be avoided, so you must prepare to ensure that you and your loved ones are taken care of. Seeking medical attention, calling the police, and exchanging information with the other driver are all necessary first steps. You should also take pictures of the scene and speak to witnesses. After the accident, you will need to file an insurance claim and may even want to contact a personal injury attorney. Taking these steps can help protect yourself and your loved ones after an accident.

Kellee Maize Team

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