Helpful Tips After a Minor Car Accident

You may be wondering, "What to do after a minor accident?"  Even minor car accidents can be frightening, especially if they happen unexpectedly. There are several things you can do to ensure your safety and minimize damage to your car.  For starters, you should immediately turn on your hazard lights. This will alert other drivers and prevent them from being in an accident too.

Record evidence of the accident scene

Firstly, when it is safe to do so, it is helpful to take photos of the damage. Photographing the damage can help you recall what happened and make it easier to file a claim. Be sure to also take photos or videos of other structures that were involved in the accident.  Photographing the scene of an accident helps determine if the other driver is at fault.

After the initial photos(if possible), you should then move your vehicle from the road. It will make it easier for other drivers to see you on the road, especially if it is dark outside or they have tinted windows. You should get help from other drivers if you are unable to move the car yourself. If you are unable to move the car, you should get out of the car and move to a safe spot away from the car until help arrives.

Next step, exchange contact information with the other driver. It is also important to take down the license plates by taking a photo of the license plates in lieu of jotting down a quick note.

Make a police report

After an accident, the police should be contacted immediately.  While you wait for them to arrive, ask everyone else if they are okay and if they have been injured. Don't yell at the other driver(s).  It would only make things worse.  After the police arrive, they will find out who is responsible.

Once they have all the details, the police may give you a copy of the report or tell you where you can pick it up later.  Since, it is important to file insurance claims for each vehicle involved in an accident, this police report can be helpful in determining who is responsible for the accident. After you have the completed police report, you are ready to file a claim and use this police report to support your legal case, if necessary.

Plan to seek medical treatment

While you may feel fine right away, there may be some damage to your body that is not visible.  It's a good idea for you to see a doctor even if you don't feel any pain.  Remember, that the adrenaline you feel following an accident can mask pain from injuries to soft tissue, bones and organs and can be more serious than you think. In the ensuing days, keep a log of your symptoms to avoid any future issues throughout your case.

Contact your insurance company to file a claim.

After the minor accident, the fourth thing to do is call your insurance company to file a claim. They can handle all paperwork and "should" pay for any damages caused by the accident. It is crucial that you quickly contact your adjuster or insurance agent if you are involved in an accident so they can start processing your claim.

Even though you may have been at fault in an accident, that doesn't mean you need to go at it alone with your insurance company. You should consult an accident attorney as the insurance company may try to exploit you.  Insurance companies will place the blame on you, particularly if you did not file a police report. Plus, they are also good at denying claims.

When dealing with claims adjusters, be prepared to answer all their questions honestly and patiently.  Things shouldn't become a problem if you keep calm.  The Beharry Law Firm is here to help you navigate through the process of dealing with the insurance companies.

Get in touch with a Miami Accident Attorney

If you feel you have the right to claim compensation for injuries caused by negligence of another party, you may want to contact your personal injury lawyer before you contact your insurer or insurance company. This step is necessary for both insurance purposes and to ensure that your case goes smoothly.

An attorney who specializes in personal injury will give you advice on whether it is worth your time and money seeking compensation for medical bills and lost wages, pain and suffering, as well as other losses that may have been caused by an accident.

A skilled attorney might also be able tell you how much damages will likely be awarded by a judge or jury if the case is resolved after trial. If this is the case, he/she will be able to advise you on which type of case should be filed with their firm, whether it's through mediation, arbitration, or litigation at court.