Nobody expects to have an accident, so it is our responsibility to be certain what we should do immediately after the crash will help preserve a life and deal with ICBC adjuster afterward. Prompt and prudent measures can protect your health, secure your rights, and smooth the way to recovery.
Nobody expects to have an accident, so it is our responsibility to be certain what we should do immediately after the crash will help preserve a life and deal with ICBC adjuster afterward. Prompt and prudent measures can protect your health, secure your rights, and smooth the way to recovery.
After an accident, the first thing to do is make sure that everyone who has been involved in it is safe. If you can, get to a safe spot away from cars.
Assess yourself and others for Injuries Remember, even if everyone SEEMS fine — shock or adrenaline in stressful situations means some injuries may not be felt until later! If there are any injuries, dial 911 immediately. Remaining calm to situate is one way you can avoid doing more damage.
It is important to contact the police – especially in case of extreme harm or injury. However, police reports can be important for insurance and legal purposes. Be upfront with the police about what happened, but do not admit to being at fault.
The police will take note of the scene, to have an objective view on the accident. If the police don’t respond to you should go to the closest precinct and file a report yourself.
After you secure the scene and alert emergency contacts, it is crucial that you swap information with all other partied involved. Provide your name, contact info, insurance details and vehicle registration number. Make sure that they have the information collected also.
This exchange is critical for insurance claims and any legal follow-ups. Do not provide more information on the accident than you need to discuss if for exchanging data only.
Document the Scene
Comprehensive documentation: Good to have Snap photos of the crash site with your phone, including all vehicles that were involved in any damages you can see as well their license plates and surrounding area.
If you can capture the subject from multiple angles, it will give a holistic idea of what your document is all about. You might also want to document the weather, traffic signs or other relevant details.
Additionally, if there are any other potential witnesses ask for their details and version of events. If push comes to shoves these details can bolster your case.
Seek Medical Attention
Have yourself checked even if you feel fine. Certain injuries do not display the symptoms right away, but can really cause harm over time if left unchecked. Medical records are important evidence for making an insurance claim or legal case. Let the medical staff know that you have been in a car accident so they can look for certain injuries that may not be readily noticeable.
Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company Immediately Give them every single detail, the information you shared with the other party and whatever documentation or photos/recordings of site that were collected during the event.
Your insurer will explain how the claims process works and what you should do next. You can use this index number to follow up on your claim with the insurance company, and also initiate any other help that you need.
Take Care of Legal Matters
Sometimes legal action is required. Speaking to a lawyer can help make clear your rights and what you are obliged to do. Lawyers can be particularly valuable if the other party is jerking you around over whose fault it was or, more worryingly, someone got really hurt. A lawyer can help you to maneuver the intricacies of legal processes and insurance negotiations, keeping your best interest in mind.
Being in an accident is always stressful, but understanding what to do as soon as possible after one could work wonders.
Safety needs to come first, followed by documenting the scene and seeking medical assistance as quickly as possible while attending to insurance claims are equally important steps. I hope that the above can help you protect yourself a little more and better manage life after an accident.
Also, when no one gets tough and everyone remains in check this can ensure a situation that has gotten out of control does not continue to escalate.
Precision PT & Sports Medicine provides medical evaluations, physical therapy, chiropractic care, and documentation support for Phoenix and Tempe patients.
Schedule your evaluation today.
Tempe, Arizona 85282
Ste A-125, Phoenix, AZ 85012