How to Deal with the Aftermath of a Car Accident
As a leading cause of death for Americans, car crashes have a major annual impact. Any collision can be traumatic and stressful. Even minor collisions can leave drivers shaken up, while serious crashes involving injuries or fatalities bring severe emotional turmoil. It’s important to know how to handle the aftermath appropriately.
Harlene Labrum, one of the most recognized car accident lawyers in Nashville, TN, shares the following key steps that can help you smoothly navigate the difficult process after an incident.
Understanding the Prevalence of Car Accidents in the US
Before we discuss how to deal with the aftermath of car accidents, it’s important to understand how common they are. Over 42,000 Americans lost their lives in motor vehicle crashes in 2022. This represents a 1% decrease from 2021.
However, car accidents are still a serious issue on U.S. roads. If the car crash involved serious injuries or fatalities, you may want to contact car accident attorneys, for assistance.
Additional key statistics include:
- Over 228 million Americans held valid driver’s licenses in 2019, leading to heavy traffic volume.
- The U.S. had close to 285 million registered vehicles in 2021.
- Total collision costs reached $79 billion in 2022 when factoring in losses from deaths, injuries, and property damage.
- Human error contributes to 94% of motor vehicle crashes due to reasons like speeding, distraction, and drunk driving.
- Young drivers are most at risk, with crash rates highest for those aged 16-19.
Report the Car Accident
The first thing you’ll need to do after a car accident is report it to the proper authorities. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately to get emergency medical assistance on the scene.
You’ll also want to call the police so they can file an official accident report. Cooperate fully with the police and be truthful when providing your account of events.
Exchange Information
If possible, exchange contact and insurance information with all other drivers involved in the accident. Having this information readily available makes the claims process much simpler.
Take photos of any property damage and injuries as evidence. If the accident was minor and the parties involved agree on fault, you may choose to handle it without filing a report.
Seek Medical Attention
No matter how serious the crash is, it’s important to get examined by a doctor as soon as possible. Adrenaline can mask symptoms of injuries after an accident. Only a qualified medical professional can properly diagnose and treat any underlying issues. Head to the emergency room or visit your doctor to get thoroughly evaluated.
Keep track of all accident-related medical expenses for the insurance claim process.
Contact Your Insurance Company
You’ll need to alert your auto insurance provider about the accident. Call them as soon as you can after the collision to start your claim. Provide details about damage to your vehicle and any injuries. Cooperate fully with your insurance company’s investigation of the incident. Keep notes of all conversations and obtain a claim number.
Ask about your policy’s coverage for repairs, medical bills, and rental car reimbursement. Your insurer will walk you through the claims process based on who was at fault and the damages incurred.
Consider Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer
An attorney can help maximize your compensation, guide you through complicated legal proceedings, and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.
Staying focused on the road and practicing safe driving habits can help reduce accident risk. But knowing what to do if you are involved in a collision will make the difficult aftermath much more manageable.
