Posted on Monday, January 1st, 2024 at 9:00 am
The moments after you suffer injuries in a car accident can feel confusing and emotional. When you know the accident was not your fault, you might feel angry about the other driver’s lack of attention. While this reaction is understandable, it is vital to keep a cool head. Letting your emotions get the best of you can be harmful if you choose to file an accident claim in the coming days or weeks.
Maintaining the mental clarity necessary to take the appropriate steps after an accident can make it easier for you to get the money you deserve. Here is what to do after an accident that is not your fault in Arkansas.
Safety First
Immediately after the accident, check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 for medical assistance. If you can safely do it, move your vehicle to the side of the road to prevent further accidents. Turn on your hazard flashers to alert other drivers.
Call the Police
Arkansas law requires you to report any accident where someone suffers an injury, there’s a death, or $1,000 or more of property damage occurs. However, injuries and property damage are not always noticeable in the immediate aftermath of a crash, so contacting law enforcement after any accident is always a good idea.
When law enforcement responds to the call from the scene, they will assess the accident and create a police report containing information such as the time, location, drivers, and vehicles involved. They will also include their initial assessment of who was at fault for the crash. This document will be a vital piece of evidence in your accident claim. Your attorney can later request a copy of the crash record and verify that the information in it is correct.
Take Pictures of the Accident Site
Use your smartphone to take photos of the accident scene, including any vehicle damage, skid marks, and any visible injuries. Pictures often prove to be valuable evidence that can be used to prove your insurance claim or when pursuing legal action.
Collect Contact Information
Trade contact and insurance details with any other drivers who were involved. Be sure to get their full name, phone number, address, driver’s license number, and insurance company info. If there are any witnesses, collect their contact information as well.
Notify Insurers
After the accident, you might wonder, “Someone hit my car. Whose insurance do I call?” The answer is that you should contact both your own insurance company and the other driver’s insurer to report the accident. Provide them with the facts of the incident, but refrain from admitting fault or discussing the extent of your injuries.
In some cases, the other driver’s insurer denies responsibility for the accident. If this happens, your own insurance company may be able to help you pay for your injuries and losses through your collision coverage or uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. However, in many cases, working with an experienced attorney can maximize your chances of securing full and fair compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance.
Avoid Posting on Social Media
Many people use social media to keep their friends and loved ones updated on significant developments in their lives. However, posting about a car accident or related injuries could harm your claim. The at-fault driver’s insurance company can use any public statements you make against you, so it is best to refrain from using social media until your case has been settled.
Call an Experienced Arkansas Car Accident Attorney
The aftermath of a car accident can be challenging, especially when dealing with insurance companies attempting to minimize your claim. An experienced Arkansas car accident attorney can protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve. Your attorney will investigate the accident, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurers on your behalf. If necessary, they can also represent you in court. In short, a skilled Arkansas car accident attorney can handle every aspect of your claim, allowing you to focus on healing.
Contact McCutchen Napurano - The Law Firm Today
If you have suffered injuries in a car accident in Arkansas, an experienced car accident lawyer can help you recover compensation for your collision-related medical expenses and lost income, as well as for the pain and suffering you have experienced. The knowledgeable and skilled attorneys at McCutchen Napurano - The Law Firm are passionate about protecting the rights of injured individuals, and we will fight aggressively on your behalf.
Call us today at (479) 783-0036 or contact us online for a free consultation with our seasoned car accident lawyers in Fort Smith.
