After an accident: What you need to do
Face it — stuff happens. It’s a sad fact of life that car accidents can happen at any time. While there may be little to nothing you can do to prevent the inevitable, what you do immediately following an accident with another motorist can and will have a major impact on the outcome of any potential claim you may make.
If you are injured in a car accident, the following tips may be helpful in navigating the insurance claims process:
- Make no statements or admissions at the accident scene. Even if you believe that you were at fault for the crash, keep this information to yourself and let the process unfold.
- Take photos of the scene of the accident. As long as doing so won’t expose you to the risk of additional injuries, taking pictures of the scene could substantiate any claims of negligence against another driver.
- Review your insurance policy. Before calling your auto insurance agent to notify them of the accident, read over your policy, including the limits and any exclusions.
- Document all communications with insurance companies. Jot down the names of any agents, along with their titles and telephone numbers.
- Seek medical treatment for any injuries. Make sure that your doctor notes any and all of your injuries, as this will form the basis of any subsequent personal injuries claims that you file in the aftermath of an auto accident.
As you move forward after your accident with another motorist, you may find that there are substantial roadblocks to a settlement that covers all of your injuries and damages. In order to get the most compensation available, you may need to file a lawsuit in the Pittsburgh civil courts.
Source: FindLaw, “Car Insurance Claims: Dos and Don’ts,” accessed April 20, 2018