When we start our day, we don’t usually think about the idea that we may get into a car accident. When learning how to drive most of us are taught how to prevent and avoid car accidents. However, the one thing that many people don’t know is what to do when an car accident does occur.
Car accidents are happening at an increasing rate. This being said, any driver on the road is at risk of being involved in a car accident of any severity. No matter what your role, being involved in a car accident is a very trying ordeal. However, when you’re the victim of the accident you may be left injured, confused, and presented with costs and information that you don’t comprehend.
In the case that this risk becomes a reality, you can ensure that you can not only handle the situation properly but that you are prepared to do so as well by following these four steps:
Familiarize yourself with your insurance policy:
Before you get into your car the next time, read over your insurance policy. Knowing what your responsibilities, rights, and what you’re protected from will better prepare you in the case there is an accident and you need to report a claim. If something isn’t clear in your policy or you believe that you need further coverage, contact your insurance provider right away to have it adjusted as necessary.
Report the accident:
If you have been involved in an accident you should immediately report what has happened to the police and your insurance provider. If you do not report the accident to the police or your insurance provider within 7 days you may not be eligible to be compensated for the damages and/or injuries incurred. No matter how little or much damage there is to your vehicle, who is at fault, or the types of injuries sustained, it’s critical that you report the accident as soon as possible after it has occurred.
Document and gather information from the scene:
To make things easier going forward, try to collect as much information as you can in regards to the accident. The more information the better! Evidence and information such as the names of those involved, contact information, insurance information, the model and make of the car, license and registration, location, date, time, if there were any injuries present at the time of the accident, and pictures. Having all of this information documented will make things easier for you, your insurance provider, and lawyer if you decide to file a case.
Meet with your insurance company and personal injury lawyer:
Once the accident has been reported, your insurance company will review the situation. Once they have done that they will contact you to inform you of who is at fault, the amount of money you can expect to receive from your claim, and the next steps. If you have sustained injuries or damages that you believe should be compensated further you should also set up an appointment with Clarke Law personal injury lawyers. Many victims aren’t aware of their rights, which makes meeting with a lawyer imperative. Driving laws in Ontario allow a victim to fight for both accident benefits and compensation for vehicle damages.
The team at Clarke Law has the experience and expertise to ensure you understand your legal rights and the specific legal process. If you have been involved in a car accident, Natalie Clarke can help. As a specialized personal injury lawyer with experience in car accident claims, Natalie will aggressively defend your case to get you the compensation that you are entitled to. Natalie Clarke will work side-by-side with you and give you the highest level of legal guidance to see you through to a successful settlement. She will help you with everything from filing your claim with the insurance company, to taking legal actions against the at-fault party.
Every claim is different. Without an experienced lawyer working on your behalf, you may find yourself making statements or leaving out details that can negatively affect your claim.