Being the victim of a car accident caused by someone else is a confusing time in anyone’s life. Driver’s don’t get into their car expecting to be involved in a car accident, which means they’re unprepared for what happens following an accident. You’re scared, confused, and you’re not in your right frame of mind. It’s an unexpected occurrence, and you’re worried about your health, your family, and even your vehicle. If you’re in shock, that makes the situation that much worse. Being the victim of an accident caused by someone else’s negligence is an unfortunate situation for any driver or passenger.
What happens following an accident is often a whirlwind for everyone involved. If someone hits you, you probably have dozens of thoughts running through your mind all at once. You’re wondering if everyone is all right, if traffic is clear enough for you to exit your vehicle, if you should move the car off the road, if you are healthy and safe, if there is gas leaking, if a fire could start, and so many more things are going through your mind all at once. You also wonder if you should share certain information with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Let’s start at the beginning.
Immediately Following an Accident
The first thing you do when you’re involved in an accident is make sure you and your passengers are all right. If you can move and you’re not visibly injured, get out of your vehicle and off the road. Do not move your vehicle. Police need to see the scene of the accident to determine who is at-fault. Get out of your car, and get off the road. It’s dangerous to stay with the car in case other drivers aren’t aware there is an accident and become involved at a later moment.
Call the police. The first thing you do when you are clear and safe is call 911 to report the accident. Dispatchers send police and medical assistance immediately. When they arrive, your job is to provide adequate, honest information regarding the accident. Don’t speculate on what you think happened. Relay what you know happened, and go from there. Seek medical attention when it’s offered, even if you don’t think you’re injured. Many car accident victims suffer from internal injuries they’re unaware they have, and the last thing you want to do is find out too late you are injured. Many internal injuries are easily treatable when they’re caught right away, but they become deadly if they’re ignored.
Provide the correct information. The police who arrive on the scene of your accident will ask for certain information. Provide that information. It’s also a good idea to exchange personal information with the at-fault driver so you have their insurance information and name and vice versa. If you have a camera or a phone, it never hurts to take photos of the accidents and/or find witnesses who saw what happened.
Sharing Information
While you probably want to share your name and your insurance information with the person who caused the accident, you don’t want to share too much information. This is a way for criminals to obtain your personal information and steal your identity. Instead, exchange only insurance information and names, and call the insurance company directly to provide the necessary information regarding the accident.
The at-fault driver’s insurance company does need specific information.
– Your name
– Your address
– Your insurance information
– Your contact information and personal information
– The name of the driver at fault
– The accident report from the scene of the accident
– The year, make, and model of your car
– A damage quote for your car
– The name of the company who has your car
– Your rental car information if you have one
– Medical claims you have following the accident
– Photos you have
– The names and information of any other passengers in your vehicle at the time of the accident
Some insurance companies want more information, and some want less. If you’re not sure the at-fault driver’s insurance company really needs certain information or if you should provide them with specific information, call a personal injury attorney. Our legal experts are here for you all hours of the day. We know the law, and we know your rights. Let us help you provide the accurate information rather than wasting your time and/or allowing someone’s insurance company to treat you poorly.
Need legal help? Our Los Angeles car accident attorneys and Los Angeles personal injury attorneys are available to help whenever, and wherever, you need it.
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