A car accident is a sudden and scary experience. Imagine you are driving along the interstate heading to work when you catch movement out of the corner of your eye. Before you can react, your head jerks forward and you hear a crunching sound. Anyone would be disoriented after experiencing something so jarring.
Creating a checklist that you can use after a car accident can be beneficial, especially if you are confused or disoriented. You would not need to worry about missing something because the checklist would have everything you need. This list also comes in handy if you are injured in a car accident. A basic checklist should include reminders to collect the other driver’s information and to determine if you can file a claim. You should also include a reminder to determine the extent of the damages.
Collect driver insurance and contact information
You will need the other driver’s insurance and contact information after you make sure the both of you are not injured. Be sure to ask for their license and copy down all of the information, and do the same with their insurance card. You will need to know their insurance company and policy number to file your car accident claim.
If the driver refuses to share information, make sure to snap a photo of their license plate. Drivers must share contact information with you, but if they refuse, you can file a police report. Additionally, take photos of the car accident and the damage it caused. This evidence will be needed if the insurance agency sends an investigator to confirm the story or the other driver tries to dispute the story.
Determine if you are eligible to file a claim
Review your car insurance policy to ensure that you can file a claim after a car accident. Usually, you will file the claim with your insurance company who will then contact the other driver’s insurer. However, this process does not always happen. It is also likely that your insurance agency has specific deadlines and forms that you must fill out to get your claim processed. Carefully review your policy, because overlooking one of these requirements could jeopardize your car accident claim.
Determine the extent of your damages
To complete your claim, your insurance agency will ask about the damages you suffered during the car accident. Damages include those caused to your car, yourself, or lost wages you may have incurred.
Take your car to a mechanic and get an official estimate. You may have to pay your mechanic up front and then get a reimbursement from your insurance company. If you are unable to drive your vehicle and have no replacement, you may also be able to include car rental expenses in your accident claim.
If you went to the hospital after the car accident, keep copies of all receipts, invoices, and bills. Also, write down the nature of your injuries. This information will be critical when you file a claim.
Finally, if your injuries prevent you from working, note the days you missed and any unpaid wages. Make detailed notes of the days you missed and the amount of money that you lost. The more organized you are after a car accident, the easier it will be to file your car accident claim.
Keeping a checklist will make handling the aftermath of a car accident a little less frustrating. The advice of a personal injury attorney can also help. Contact Attorney Dean Boyd for more information about personal injury claims. Give us a call at (806) 242-3333 or Contact Us via email to learn more about our services. You can also visit our office at 4423 SW 45th Ave in Amarillo, Texas or 10623 Quaker Ave #102 in Lubbock, Texas.
