In the event of a car accident, especially a robotic, self-driving car accident, it is important to take certain steps like filing a police report, checking in with your insurance company to determine their claims process, and other things to ensure safety and compliance with the law.
To help us better understand what to do next, we asked the car accident attorneys in Los Angeles at Ehline Law Firm some questions. Their lead attorney, Michael Ehline, is an expert with over 15 years of experience fighting “lowlife insurance adjusters.” Michael helped us understand how to deal with the insurance company with respect to the claims process. Ehline says before you file a claim against the other driver, it’s important to gather up medical bills and find out how much insurance coverage there is, including the “policy number, driver’s license number and how the accident occurred.”
Ehline also said you must never admit fault, “no matter what.”
Ehline also said,
“Firstly, before you even think of filing a car insurance claim, prioritize the well-being of everyone involved in the incident by checking for any injuries. Once everyone is secure, proceed to follow the necessary protocol, including properly reporting the accident to the authorities and exchanging information with the other drivers before the police arrive.”
Also, do not forget to file a claim as required by the laws in your area. It is imperative to take these steps to ensure a smooth resolution and minimize any potential legal or financial repercussions. Your lawyer’s main job is to hold the at-fault driver liable to pay for your injuries and any repair shop and medical bills.
Steps to Keep in Mind After Being Involved in a Car Accident
It’s crucial to know the proper steps to take after a car accident, whether you decide to handle it independently or with the assistance of an attorney. Having knowledge of these guidelines, provided by the Insurance Information Institute, will assist you in making informed decisions related to insurance claims, and car repairs. You should also gather important contact information insurance company personnel will need. There may also be other related matters, such as a pothole that caused the crash, so you have to be flexible.
These guidelines are designed to help you navigate the aftermath of a car accident, whether it was your fault or the other vehicles involved. By being aware of these steps, you can make measured and calculated decisions, ensuring a smooth and stress-free resolution.
What Your First Priority Should Be
After an auto accident, your first priority should be to assess any potential injuries. If you or anyone else involved in the accident sustains a personal injury, immediately call 911 or ask someone else to do it for you. If the injuries are severe, it’s important not to move and wait for the arrival of emergency services at the vehicle location. This is crucial to ensure prompt medical attention and preserve evidence for potential legal proceedings.
Here’s What You Should do After that
Once you have confirmed the safety and well-being of yourself and any other passengers involved in the accident, finding a safe location is important. If you are able to move, move yourself and your vehicle to the side of the road or a sidewalk, ensuring that you do not obstruct traffic as you exchange contact information at the accident scene.
If your vehicle is not operational, stay near it in a safe area and away from moving traffic. The safety of all involved parties, including the other driver, should always be a top priority.
Make Sure You File a Police Report
“Report the accident,” Ehline says.
“Regardless of the extent of the damage, it’s important to call the police in the event of a car accident. In some states, it is legally required to do so, which is why you must dial the police report number to file an accident report.”
This will ensure that a police report is filed, which can be useful for insurance claims and any potential legal proceedings. By calling 911, you can also ensure the prompt arrival of emergency services if needed.
Steer Clear of Additional Accidents
After a car accident, it’s important to turn off the engine, turn on the hazard lights, and use emergency flares if possible to make your vehicle visible to incoming traffic. This will help ensure the safety of everyone involved and minimize the risk of any additional accidents.
Be Wary of Unreasonable Towing Services
Beware of unreasonable demands for payment from towing services. Some tow truck operators may take your vehicle to a questionable facility and refuse to release it until you pay an exorbitant fee.
It is important to be cautious and aware of such practices and to only work with reputable and trustworthy towing services. If you feel that you are being charged unfairly, you can report the issue to the local authorities or your insurance company. Doing so will make sure that the insurance provider takes a close look at the situation and ensure you are in the clear.
Exchange Information with Other Driver
After confirming everyone’s safety, exchanging information with the other driver involved in the accident is important. This includes details such as accident location, other driver’s insurance company, vehicle information, car’s license plate number type, and driver’s license information.
This information will be useful for insurance purposes and in case of any legal proceedings. It’s important to be accurate and cooperative when exchanging information with the other driver and to keep all information organized and recorded for future reference. Depending on the severity of the automobile accident, the victim’s collision coverage could also cover their medical bills. However, it is not guaranteed.
What Happens When You File an Insurance Claim with Your Insurance Company
Based on all the information provided and determining whether the accident was the other driver’s fault, the insurance adjuster will make a decision on what compensation, if any, is due to you. It is important to provide as much information as possible and to cooperate with the insurance coverage company during the claims process to help ensure a fair resolution.
If you were driving a rental car and it was involved in a car accident, make sure that you ask your personal injury protection lawyer whether you will get any rental car coverage from the insurance adjusters. It would also help you ask if your medical expenses were paid for after making a personal injury claim.
Things You Need to Document After a Car Accident
It is essential to thoroughly document the details of a car accident for your own protection. The Insurance Information Institute recommends the following steps:
- Identify and gather information from witnesses, including names and contact details.
- Note down the names and contact details of all passengers and drivers involved.
- Take photos of the accident scene, vehicles, and surrounding area from various angles. This provides visual evidence that you can refer to later.
- Obtain a report of the accident from the police officers and make sure to take note of their names and badge numbers.
- Keep all the documentation, including the accident report, pictures, and witness information, for future reference, as this may be required for a car insurance claim investigation.
What to Do After the Claims Process Begins
The next step after informing the insurer is to start the claim process. It’s crucial to contact your insurance provider as soon as possible after the accident. If you’re unable to make a call, you can use the mobile app provided by your insurance company to report the incident. This way, the insurer can immediately inform you of the required information for your insurance and car insurance claim.
In case of damage to your vehicle, the insurer may arrange for it to be towed to a certified body shop for further inspection and evaluation. If the accident involved a rental car, it’s important to provide the details of the rental car coverage to determine the extent of the losses. The insurer can guide you through the claims process and help set your expectations no matter your qualifications to deal with finding blame. If it is a self-driving car, your lawyer must ensure there is no malfunction, as the manufacturer could also be on the hook to cover your injuries and property damage when liability is not immediately apparent. Eline has a smartphone app on his website he recommends you load on your cell phone.
Final Thoughts
First, we hope you enjoyed the important information. When involved in a car accident, you must stay calm, keep a cool head, and avoid further damage to yourself or other parties. Then, it would be best to contact your own insurance provider and a reliable personal injury lawyer to look into your case to ensure you can get full and fair compensation in a just amount for all your headaches, pain, and suffering.
