3-Step Accident Checklist
Every year there are more than 100,000 people involved in car accidents in the state of Kansas alone. To reduce the stress that inevitably follows an accident, you should know these 3 simple tips. Following this checklist will not only aid in collecting the key information needed for evidence but is also necessary if you were to seek compensation for damages. Here are the first 3 things you should do in the event of an accident:
- Call the Police— A police report is one of the most important documents in any accident case. A simple call to notify the police of the accident is required. The police will arrive, investigate the accident, speak with witnesses, and issue a report with information about each vehicle and insurance policy. Just exchanging insurance information with the other driver is not enough! Always, always call the police after an accident and be sure to ask for the report number.
- Speak with a Lawyer As Soon As Possible— Insurance companies will usually call everyone involved in an accident and try to obtain a recorded statement. There can be language barriers, confusing insurance phrases, and questions about small details that most people will not remember. Once a lawyer is involved in the case, the insurance company must work directly with them. The lawyer can explain the process, answer questions, and oversee any conversation with the insurance company. Everyone has the legal right to speak with an attorney first, and this is the best way to avoid mistakes and misunderstandings that may be recorded in a statement and used later in a lawsuit.
- Obtain Medical Treatment Quickly— It is not uncommon for a person to develop pain and medical issues several days after an accident. Potential injuries need to be identified quickly, so it is crucial to obtain medical treatment as soon as possible following an accident even if you’re feeling ok. If a person waits to get medical treatment, the time lapse can be leverage for an insurance company to claim the injury was caused by something else.
Accidents are mentally and physically taxing and there are often complicated issues involving insurance laws. Use this 3-step checklist as a tool to ensure you cover your bases in the event of in an accident. Be safe!