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What Should I do if I Am a Car Accident Victim?

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

When you are a car accident victim, one of the most important things you can do is have the accident documented by the police. In many places, you can call the police to the scene to document the accident while in others, you may have to visit the police department to have the accident documented. You will usually need to contact your auto insurance company and provide details about the accident as well. Taking notes may also prove important to your case, and you may take photographs of the damage to your car as well. Additionally, you may do well to contact an attorney if you plan to sue the other driver.

One of the most important things you can do if you are a car accident victim is make sure an accident report is filed. If you are able to call the police at the scene of the accident, do so. The police officer who arrives on the scene will usually make a record of the accident. Ask for a copy of the police report or visit the police department to secure a copy later. This report may be critical if you need to file a claim for compensation or if you will be involved in a lawsuit as a result of the car accident.

People consulting with an attorney after a car accident.
People consulting with an attorney after a car accident.

It is also important to contact your automobile insurance company as soon as possible following a car accident. If you have been a car accident victim, you will usually have to provide your automobile insurance company with the time and date of the accident as well as information about where the accident occurred. You may also be asked to provide details about the other people involved in the accident, including any individuals who were passengers in your car. You will likely have to provide this information without regard to whether or not you were at fault in the accident. If you have collected the other driver’s name and insurance company information, you may provide this information as well.

The police should be called after a car accident.
The police should be called after a car accident.

When you’ve been a car accident victim, it is also important to document the accident. For example, you may take photographs of the damage done to your vehicle. Taking notes may also prove helpful following a car accident. You may note how fast you were driving and what you were doing at the time of the accident. You may also note how fast the other driver was going and any driving mistakes he made that contributed to or caused the accident.

Drivers should contact their insurance company as soon as possible after a collision.
Drivers should contact their insurance company as soon as possible after a collision.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you may receive compensation for the damage to your car and medical bills through your insurance company. If, however, your injuries are severe enough that you will want additional compensation or need compensation for pain and suffering, you may choose to sue the other driver. To do this, you will usually need the help of an accident injury attorney.

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

Drentel

I have always been told to call the police as soon as possible following a car accident. When I had my one and only car accident, a patrol officer was on the scene before I had a chance to call. This is common now since most people have cell phones. Someone had called the police while I was checking on the lady in the other car.

Sporkasia

I don't know whether it is the same everywhere, but in the state where I live, drivers involved in a vehicular accident are required to leave their cars where they came to rest as a result of the accident.

In some cases, getting the cars off the highway seems to be the safer alternative, but for the purpose of a police report and for the purpose of assigning responsibility for the accident it is better for the cars to stay where they are.

Animandel

So often when I see cars involved in fender benders and minor car crash accidents during rush hour, I wonder why the cars remain parked in the street when the drivers could easily move them out of the way of traffic. Cars that are involved in an accident and stay in the road are in the way and could easily cause another accident.

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    • People consulting with an attorney after a car accident.
      By: Lisa F. Young
      People consulting with an attorney after a car accident.
    • The police should be called after a car accident.
      By: mario beauregard
      The police should be called after a car accident.
    • Drivers should contact their insurance company as soon as possible after a collision.
      By: CandyBox Images
      Drivers should contact their insurance company as soon as possible after a collision.
    • In some states, it is illegal to move a vehicle after an accident occurs.
      By: mrivserg
      In some states, it is illegal to move a vehicle after an accident occurs.
    • If you've been injured in a car accident, you may receive compensation for your medical bills through the insurance company.
      By: corepics
      If you've been injured in a car accident, you may receive compensation for your medical bills through the insurance company.