Steps to Take Following an Injury Accident

Whenever you are in an automobile accident there are set guidelines you should always follow. These guidelines not only aid you in the processing of your claim for the accident itself but they also ensure that you will receive funds to cover the cost of medical attention if the other driver is at fault. 

1. Dial 911 to report the accident immediately if possible. By immediately reporting the accident law enforcement and ambulance service will arrive on scene to document the accident and treat your injuries. This is the only guaranteed method of obtaining the other driver's information if they are at fault. Statistics show that thousands of at fault drivers flee the scene of an accident each year and often are never apprehended. 


2. Provide law enforcement with as many details as possible. This information could aid in locating the other driver should they flee the scene. 


3. Contact your automobile insurance carrier after your injuries are treated. A claims adjuster is sent to evaluate the damage caused to your vehicle and to document all injuries that are a direct result of the accident. He or she uses this information to file a claim with your insurance carrier. If you are hospitalize due to your injuries the claims adjuster could obtain a copy of the accident report on your behalf to speed up the claims process. However if you are released the same day as the accident you are responsible for obtaining this accident report and submitting it to your insurance carrier. 


4. Wait for a call from the claims adjuster or a representative from your automobile insurance carrier. Your insurance carrier will notify you of funds awarded to you according to your policy coverage and that of the at fault driver. If it is discovered that he or she does not have insurance coverage it is necessary for you to hire an attorney in order to receive money to cover damages to your car and to cover your medical costs. This is of course if the other driver is at fault.