After you get into a vehicle accident, one of the first things you need to do is report it. This is important for legal purposes, but also so there is documentation to prove the details of the accident for when you file a claim with your insurance company or try to get a personal injury settlement. Here are some easy tips for reporting a vehicle accident.

Contact the Police

Before you do anything, you should get in contact with the police, who will send someone out to get the police report. Let them know everything about the accident. Hopefully the other drivers involved are still present and can provide their information as well. The police officer will file a report based on what you and witnesses claim happened, along with what they see at the scene of the accident. This report is essential when you go to file a claim.

Gather Evidence at the Scene

When you get into a vehicle accident, leave the vehicle where it is. If you try to move it, you risk messing up the accident scene that lets a police officer know what took place there. The exception is if your vehicle is in the way of oncoming traffic. If you feel safe enough, exit the vehicle and start documenting the scene without moving anything. Take pictures of your vehicle and others involved. Get as many pictures as you can inside and outside the vehicle. If the accident was caused from road conditions, gather that evidence as well. Also take notes in case you get confused or forget exactly what took place.

Call Your Insurance Company

Your insurance company also needs to be notified. They will often send an insurance adjuster out to the scene before you even move your car, though in some cases, they look at the damage of your vehicle and read the police report after your car has already been moved. This is necessary if you want to file a claim with your insurance company. Do not try to file a claim if you have not yet contacted the insurance company.

Get a Lawyer

It is recommended that you get legal counsel even before you file the claim. They can help you speak to witnesses, compile your evidence, and file the necessary paperwork. If you end up needing to negotiate for your settlement with the insurance company, the lawyer can also help with that. If you need to file an appeal, they are already aware of your case, making it easier to get that appeal filed and processed.

Contact Speers Reuland & Cibulskis, P.C. if you need help from an auto accident lawyer.

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