10 Reasons to Hire an Accident Attorney
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10 Reasons to Hire an Accident Attorney

If you’ve been in an automobile accident, hiring an accident attorney can be a smart move. Here are ten reasons why:

  1. An accident attorney can help you navigate the legal process. The aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming, with many different parties involved, including insurance companies and law enforcement. An accident attorney can help you understand your rights and responsibilities, and guide you through the legal process.
  2. An accident attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve. Insurance companies are in the business of making money, and they may not be willing to pay out the full amount you’re entitled to. An accident attorney can help you fight for the compensation you need to cover medical bills, lost wages, and other costs associated with the accident.
  3. An accident attorney can negotiate on your behalf. Insurance companies often try to settle cases quickly and for as little money as possible. An accident attorney can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf, helping you get the best possible settlement.
  4. An accident attorney can represent you in court, if necessary. If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, or if the other party involved in the accident disputes your version of events, your accident attorney can represent you in court and fight for your rights.
  5. An accident attorney can provide valuable advice and guidance. An experienced accident attorney can provide valuable advice and guidance on a wide range of issues, from dealing with the insurance company to making sure you get the medical treatment you need.
  6. An accident attorney can investigate the accident and gather evidence. In order to build a strong case, it’s important to have evidence that supports your version of events. An accident attorney can investigate the accident and gather evidence, such as witness statements, accident reports, and photographs, that can help your case.
  7. An accident attorney can protect your rights. The other party involved in the accident, and their insurance company, may try to take advantage of you, especially if you’re not familiar with the legal system. An accident attorney can protect your rights and make sure you’re not taken advantage of.
  8. An accident attorney can handle the paperwork. There are many forms and documents that need to be filled out and filed after an accident, and it can be overwhelming trying to keep track of everything. An accident attorney can handle the paperwork for you, making sure that everything is filed properly and on time.
  9. An accident attorney can provide emotional support. Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident can be emotionally difficult. An accident attorney can provide emotional support and guidance, helping you cope with the stress and anxiety that can come with being in an accident.
  10. An accident attorney can help you avoid common mistakes. There are many pitfalls that people can fall into after an accident, such as giving a recorded statement to the insurance company or accepting a lowball settlement offer. An accident attorney can help you avoid these mistakes and make sure you get the best possible outcome for your case.

In short, hiring an accident attorney can provide valuable support and representation after an automobile accident. If you’ve been in a car accident, don’t hesitate to contact an attorney to discuss your options.

Car Accidents, Personal Injury
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How Long Should You Be Sore After a Car Accident?
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How Long Should You Be Sore After a Car Accident?

After being in a car accident, soreness and pain will be normal, but at what point is it an indication of something more serious being wrong?

Keep reading to find out how typical long soreness from car accident injuries last, and learn about treatment options that help with pain relief.

 

Car Accident Injuries and Soreness

 

When you are in a car accident, being sore for several hours or days afterward is normal. If you have lingering pains, you may be curious how long soreness can last. Typically, if the pain lasts more than a few days, it can be a sign of something other than your typical injuries.

Soreness can last for weeks or months after a car accident for serious injuries. Although, usually soreness and pain from a car accident do not typically last over 6 weeks from a small accident or fender bender. If you are feeling discomfort or residual pain after being in a car accident, that’s often a sign of something more serious than simple brushing.

Some people may experience pain for weeks after a car accident, even without serious or lasting injuries. Soreness, bruising, and stiffness can take a while to heal.

Also, there are some injuries that just take longer to heal and have long-term complications. That is why it’s important to get proper treatment and go through physical therapy or rehabilitation for certain injuries.

The Levin Firm says, “These injuries can often result in chronic or recurring pain that persists years after the accident. So, how does this affect a personal injury case? Pain is recognized as a non-economic cost and is often categorized under pain and suffering. What this means is that the law allows you to pursue compensation for the physical pain of an injury. The amount of compensation will vary from case to case.”

Unsure If It’s a Serious Injury?

Below are some of the signs to look for more serious injuries that need medical attention:

  • Neck pain radiating outward, painful to turn or move the neck
  • Frequent blurred vision and dizziness
  • Tingling or numbness anywhere that does not go away
  • Back pains, issues with turning, twisting or crouching down

 

The following are a few of the most common car accident injuries. If you experience lingering soreness or constant pains in any of these areas, it can be an indication of a more serious injury that needs physical therapy or chiropractic rehabilitation.

Back Injuries

After a car accident, back injuries are extremely common. The quick jerking motions experienced in a collision can cause various types of back injuries, making it hard to twist or move because of soreness and pain. A back injury is a common result of being in a car accident.

Neck Injuries and Whiplash

Another very common injury is whiplash and neck injuries caused by car accidents. The rapid jerking results in spinal vertebrae within the neck to get injured, causing soreness and pain when twisting or moving the neck. Chiropractic care can help relieve the soreness from whiplash.

Head Injuries

When a car accident occurs, everyone involved, including passengers, is at risk of a head injury. A head injury can be simple, like a bruise or cut, or a concussion, or it could be a major traumatic brain injury such as swelling or bleeding.

Internal Injuries

A seat belt will protect you in a car accident, but wearing it incorrectly can result in internal injuries. Some of the damages caused in a car accident may include bruising and broken ribs, and the risks increase when the seatbelt is worn incorrectly.

Spinal Cord Injuries

When a car accident happens, the fast change in direction or sudden stop can push or twist spinal discs and vertebrae out of natural alignment. In some cases, it can be fractured or cause other spinal injuries. If you suspect a back injury, careful movement, a back brace, and x-rays should be the main focus.

Insurance & Details Overwhelming?

Medical care, after being involved in a car accident, is important. If you are still waiting on the car insurance of another party or your own medical insurance, it can be hard to cover costs. These things often create more stress from an already stressful situation.

Having the proper car insurance and medical coverage helps pay medical costs due to being injured in a car accident. It will cover you and others in the car no matter who’s found at fault.

Get Injuries Treated and Recover

After an auto accident, you should schedule an appointment for a thorough examination, which will likely include diagnostic testing and x-rays. Medical consultations assist your physical therapist or chiropractor figure if your soreness and pain are caused by the car accident injury or a symptom of another injury or complication.

Many doctors will simply prescribe medications or suggest surgery for chronic or lingering pain; there are alternative options that could offer natural pain relief and avoiding addictive opioids or invasive surgeries.

Rehabilitation After Car Accident

 

Physical Therapy

 

If you have a lasting injury from being in a car accident, your doctor may recommend physical therapy to help regain use of the injured area. Depending on the injury, you may receive full functionality back or partial. However, physical therapy provides the best chance of obtaining optimal functionality back.

In some cases, you may need to combine both physical therapy and chiropractic care. These treatments complement the other. Chiropractic care helps align the body to be more effective, while physical therapy strengthens the muscles.

 

Massage Therapy

Professional massage therapy can assist in reducing anxiety and overall stress. Many chiropractic care treatments suggest combining massage therapy with your treatment. Massage therapy is helpful for back and neck pain sustained from a car accident. It also helps with plantar fasciitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and various musculoskeletal conditions.

 

Rehabilitating Exercises

If you have been injured in a car accident with lasting soreness or pain, you may need physical therapy, chiropractic care, massage therapy, or a combination of these. Additionally, traditional methods are suggested, as well. Remember to follow the RICE method: Rest, Ice, Compress, Elevate.

If something hurts, it needs rest. Avoid using that area of the body; apply ice to the area and keep it elevated to reduce the risk of further damage. A customized rehabilitation exercise routine may help provide optimal functionality and movement, slowly allowing you to the injured area again without strain.

Source

How Long Should You Be Sore After A Car Accident?

Car Accidents, Personal Injury
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If I'm Found Partially at Fault After an Accident, What Happens?
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What Happens If I’m Partially at Fault After a Car Accident?

If you have found yourself in an accident that you have been found partially at fault after a car accident, what do you do now? Many serious accidents result in injury, and these victims are left to wonder what their next move is when they have to take partial blame for the accident.

 

How Much At Fault Are You?

When determining the liability for a serious accident, the courts and insurance companies use a percentage-based scale to rate it. What are the factors of your involvement in the accident (what did you do to be partially responsible)? Did you speed, ignore a stop sign or red light, or were you distracted by your phone or other factors?

According to Sworgatto.com, if you carry the weight of responsibility but not full responsibility (less than half) for the accident, there is a reduction in the compensation you receive based on the responsibility percentage of your involvement in the accident. If you caused 20% of the accident, then there will be a 20% reduction from the compensation. This example scales as the percentage scales.

That being said, if your responsibility is half or more, you are not going to see compensation from the insurance company of the other party or the party themselves. As an example, if you are being reckless in a building, and fall down a flight of stairs, if you are at fault, you won’t be compensated for the accident.

 

How To Determine Percentage of Fault After a Car Accident?

 

The way process of determining the percentage of fault after a car accident you are involved in starts by looking at the accident, most of the time. The factors that contributed to this accident are considered. For example, if you ran a stop sign, you will likely bear the majority of the responsibility. However, if a driver you collide with is distracted, they may bear a good percentage of responsibility

The same can be said in reverse; if you are slowing down to make a turn, and your lights aren’t properly working, if you get rear-ended, you may be partial if not fully to blame. But you are left asking how that liability is determined.

After the accident, the insurers and lawyers sit down and talk about each impacting factor. There may be a chance for witnesses to make their claims, and the attorney may even help with assessing the liability of an accident with an expert witness. Things they may look at:

  • Relevant Photos of the Scene of the Accident (After it happens)
  • Photos of injuries, damages, and other related outcomes.
  • Police Reports
  • Witness Statements
  • Any videos, surveillance footage, or traffic cam footage that may have recorded the accident.

 

There are some cases that you disagree with the liability accuracy determined. In this event, you are able to request an attorney to better establish who is to blame for the injuries/accident.

It is important to report any and all accidents to the insurance provider of those involved. Any information regarding fault and involvement is useful in determining the liability percentage of each party. You need to know what to do in these situations so you can be covered to the greatest extent possible. Of course, the best way to avoid this is to be cautious and obey all rules and laws that are placed to prevent accidents.

 

How to Find a Personal Injury Lawyer Near Me?

An easy way to find a personal injury lawyer near you is searching Google for “personal injury lawyers near me in city”. This will provide a list of results of personal injury lawyers in your area, including their information and website.

Car Accidents
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How Long Does An Insurance Company Have to Settle A Claim in Nevada
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How Long Does An Insurance Company Have to Settle A Claim in Nevada?

If you were in an accident in Nevada, you may be wondering how long does an insurance company have to settle a claim in Nevada? Also called the ‘Silver State’, Nevada has a statute of limitations that are important for policyholders to know. Insurance companies in the state must follow these statutes when handling insurance claims.

 

How Long Does An Insurance Company Have to Settle A Claim in Nevada?

After receiving the proof of loss, insurance companies have 30 days to approve or deny your claim. Notification must be sent in writing, referencing specific exclusions, conditions or policy provisions affecting the final decision.

If your claim is accepted, insurers have up to 30 days to pay the claim or be required to pay interest calculated using the original payment due date, until the claim is paid out. If additional time is required for investigation, insurers shall notify claimants within 30 business days from receiving proof. However, this cannot be used as a tactic for delaying negotiations or settlements, affecting the claimant’s rights under the insurance policy, contract or statute of limitations.

The use of an agent is authorized by the Nevada Administrative Code to handle the claim of the insured on behalf of the policy provider. All claims must be reported by agents in a timely manner. Insurers can end authority granted to agents through a written notice or suspend them during the pendency of disputes in regard to the cause of termination. Your agent must deliver a copy of your claim to the insurer when requested or upon becoming aware of one of the following factors:

  1. Claim Involves Dispute of Coverage
  2. The amount determined by the commissioner or limit set by the insurer is exceeded
  3. The Agent Doesn’t Have The Authority To Settle The Claim
  4. The claim is Closed by payment with a pre-set amount from the insurer or commissioner. (Whichever equals to be Less)
  5. The claim is open for greater than 6 months

 

Nevada has a detailed statute of limitation for “unfair practices in claim settlement, and insurer liability for damages.” This carefully details the actions taken by insurers, and how they are liable for any damages caused to the insured.

The list describes many unfair practices in relation to the insurer’s failure to follow policy provisions, attempting to mislead insured parties or settle with unreasonable terms throughout a claim handling process.

For instance, it is illegal for insurers to accept arbitration awards by claimants or insureds to favor either party during a settlement or to offer a less than reasonable compensation. All insureds in Nevada need to know their legal rights under the state statutes, as it could help with understanding how the claim handling process works in Nevada.

 

 

 

 

Resources:

Nevada Admin Code: NAC 686A.675

Nevada Admin Code: NAC 683A.510

Nevada Revised Statutes: NRS 686A.310

Car Accidents
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What To Do After a Car Accident
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Checklist: What To Do After a Car Accident [Infographic]

It can be stressful to deal with an auto accident, that is why many people search “what to do when you get in a car accident?” Staying calm is an important part of how to handle an accident because it allows you to focus better.

Below are the five steps to take after a car accident:

1.    Safety

  • If your car accident was minor and the vehicles are drivable, move out of traffic.
  • Put your vehicle in the park, turn your hazard lights on and turn the ignition off.
  • If you have a roadside kit and are able to place flares, warning triangles, cones, or other means of warning others of the auto accident.

 

2.    Call For Help

  • Check Injuries: First, check yourself, passengers, and if possible, other drivers for injuries. When you’re not sure, call an ambulance or ask for one when calling the police.
  • Call Police: You need to call the police and get a report, even for minor auto accidents. Insurance companies use police reports to establish fault to process damage claims.

 

3.    Collect Driver Information

After ensuring safety and calling for help, collect or exchange information with the other drivers involved. Your insurance company will ask for this information when filing a claim.

  • Names and contact information of each driver
  • License plate numbers
  • Driver’s license numbers
  • Vehicle descriptions involved – year, make, and model
  • Location or address of the accident
  • Insurance policy numbers and company names
  • Names and contact information of eyewitnesses
  • Police officer names and badge numbers

 

  • Take Pictures: You will want to get plenty of images of damage to your vehicle, and the others involved (if it is safe).
  • Only sign documents from your insurance agent or police reports. Do not sign anything from other drivers involved.
  • Do not claim fault, even if it may have been. Leave it up to the police and your auto accident attorney.

 

4.    File Your Car Accident Claim

You do not have to wait to file a claim, you can call your insurance company and begin the claim process from the scene of the accident with the information collected. Follow up later when things calm down to provide any additional information needed.

Depending on your insurance provider, they may offer a mobile app or online claim form to simplify the process.

 

5.    Roadside Assistance

If you had a major car accident and the vehicle is unable to be driven after the accident, call for roadside assistance. Many insurance companies include roadside assistance help, but maybe a reimbursement.

 

6.    Call Your Auto Accident Attorney

If you are found at fault, an attorney can help protect you from excessive damage or injury claims. If you were found not at fault, a personal injury attorney can help ensure you are properly compensated for both the damages and injuries sustained during the car accident.

 

What To Do After a Car Accident Checklist:

What To Do After a Car Accident Checklist

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When to Get an Attorney For a Car Accident
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Hiring Car Accident Lawyers

If you had a recent car accident, then you will be looking into hiring car accident lawyers. Getting an experienced attorney can help you to recover any losses that come from a car accident and/or reduce the amount of paperwork, hassles, and red tape that often comes with an insurance claim over a car accident. Knowing when you are going to need professional legal assistance can help with knowing the difference between losing or owing large amounts of money for damages or a justly resolved case.

Below is vital information that you will need to know before you hire a car accident lawyer.

When You Should Hire Car Accident Lawyers

It’s best to hire a lawyer early to avoid costly mistakes. There is a deadline for filing any personal injury claims, and these will vary based on the state. Because you may have to pay for medical expenses and/or make up for lost wages, the sooner you contact a lawyer, the better. Usually, you should contact an attorney shortly after your accident. You should talk to them within 2 weeks of your accident before you decide to reach an agreement with an insurance company.

What You Should Look for When Hiring Car Accident Attorneys

Car accident lawyers cover a variety of issues caused by personal injury, unlawful death, property damage, and liability determination. When you start to look for a lawyer, you are going to need to look for things such as the fee structures, location, commitment, and experience.

If a lawyer thinks your case has any merit, then a good lawyer will usually accept your case based on an emergency or “no-fee,” so it’s important to verify your lawyer’s standard fee structure.

For example, your lawyer should be proficient in state and national transportation laws, know how to deal with insurance and healthcare companies, and know how to prepare and resolve cases effectively. Besides, it is important to verify the background, referrer, and history of the lawyer.

Why You Might Need to Hire Car Accident Lawyers

Unfortunately, car accidents can happen at any time. In the United States, most personal injury claims are caused by accidents involving cars, trucks, or other motor vehicles. Many of these accidents cause minor damage to the vehicle in the form of “crash bends” and can usually be handled separately by contacting the insurance company directly. However, a car accident involving personal injury, death, or other significant damage may prove that experienced lawyers have legal representation.

Experienced attorneys can help you to get compensation to cover losses that happened because of an accident, like car repairs, lost wages, and medical expenses. There are some states where a car accident attorney is able to help you to recover whenever someone you love is killed, especially if  reckless driving, speeding, drunk driving, etc. was the cause.

Overview of Legal Fees

Most car accident cases are handled based on emergencies or “no wins, no pay.” This means that if the lawyer does not win or resolve the case on your behalf, he will not charge any fees. On the other hand, if the lawyer wins, you will receive a percentage of personal injury compensation. The percentage of lawyers varies from case to case but may correspond to one-third to 40% of the total compensation, and limits vary by state. It is important to keep in mind that attorney fees are different from fees, and you may have to bear some out-of-pocket costs associated with the case.

Questions You Should Ask an Attorney

Before dealing with a lawyer, you should have as much detail and facts as possible about a car accident, financial loss, or loss. The documents you want to show to a lawyer after a car accident may include your insurance policy, information exchanged at the scene of the accident, and medical records. Here are some questions you should ask before hiring a car accident lawyer:

  • What out-of-pocket expenses will I be responsible for?
  • How are the fees structured?
  • How much of my case do you handle?
  • What is a typical settlement for a case that is similar to mine?
  • What experience do you have with my type of injury?
  • How much of your practice focuses on car accident cases?

Do You Want to Find a Car Accident Attorney? Learn More Now!

Not every car accident will need to have legal counsel, but there are certain situations where an attorney can help you with your ability to be fairly compensated and your claim. You can learn more about your legal options by speaking with an experienced car accident attorney within your local area.

Car Accidents
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What to Do After A Car Accident
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What to do After a Car Accident?

What Steps to Take After an Accident

Here are some key things to know in the event of an automobile accident.

  • If you find yourself in an accident, it is your legal responsibility to stop. Even if the damage is minimal, or you feel there is no damage at all, when your car comes into contact with anything, you have to stop the car.
  • In the event of an accident, it is important to remember that you should never admit your responsibility to the accident. The reason for this is, you are signed in a contract with your insurance company. The policy states that you are not to take liability in an accident. Let your insurance company do all the talking.

The Scene of the Accident

It is important to know what to do after a car accident. While many accidents are avoidable, they do still happen. When one does happen, you need to know what you should do and what questions to ask for your claim. There is a helpful checklist to educate you on the steps to take after an accident. Review it thoroughly, and even print out a copy for yourself. Keep it accessible, just in case.

Figure out Damages and Injuries

The first thing to do after an accident is to assess injury to yourself and other parties involved. Make sure not to move your vehicles unless you have to, but always wait for the police before moving your car.

Police Must Be Contacted

Even if the accident is only a minor one, you should always have a legal accident report filled out.

Be Selective On Who You Talk To

When an accident occurs, you should only talk to certain people about it. You don’t want to admit any fault to the accident, so talk only to the law enforcement, insurance company, and medical professionals.

Facts are Important

While this part is common knowledge, it is easy to forget to get important details after an accident.

Make sure you exchange names, numbers, and addresses with everyone that was directly involved. Remember, most insurance companies do not keep records of license plate numbers, so make sure to get the VIN and vehicle description of all cars in the accident. Below is a list that explains how to take down this information in just a few seconds.

Information Checklist in Case of an Accident

Here is a checklist that you can follow to remind you of what information to take down:

  • Description of the Accident
  • Driver Information
  • Insurance Information
  • Vehicle Description & VIN

Below are more detail of what you should collect in the event of an accident.

Accident Form

You can be especially prepared if you get an accident form that collects the information when the car accident happens. You can get these forms from a police station or the local DMV.

These forms are insanely helpful, and every state uses a different form. Because accidents can be overwhelming, it is easy to panic or forgets steps you should take if one happens.

Driver Information to Collect After a Collision

  • Contact information, including their phone number.
  • The Driver’s Address
  • The Name of the Driver

Insurance Company Information to Collect

The proof of insurance card of you and the other driver should have all the information you need to know. The vital information needed involving insurance companies are:

  • Name of the Insurance Company
  • The Insurance Policy Number

Information About the Car Involved

  • The License Plate
  • The VIN
  • Description of the Vehicle; Make, Year, Model
  • Pictures for personal documentation

 

Information About The Accident to Collect

  • Approximate Address of Accident
  • Nearest and/or Current Road
  • Time and Date of Accident
  • Which Direction you were traveling
  • The Other Car’s Direction
  • Photos of Damage and Scene
  • Details of What Happened (Make sure you do this as soon as you can, so details of the accident aren’t lost. A video, written statement, or verbal account to a police officer is sufficient enough to document the details of what transpired.)
  • Notes that Involve the Driving Conditions
  • Any Information that Involves Witnesses
  • The Contact and Identification information of the Police Officer who Shows Up.

 

Should a Mobile Phone be Used to Take Photos at the Scene of the Accident?

Cell phones are everywhere nowadays, and most mobile devices have cameras and/or recording devices. Most of the time, when you submit a claim, you are given the ability to provide pictures of the accident and damages. This is a smart thing to do, seeing as how you will reveal a lot about the accident by the pictures you take of the scene and damage.

While your information is important to the other driver, you should only give the information needed for the claim. They do not need a picture of your driver’s license. They only need your name, phone number, and address.

Helpful Tip: What you SHOULDN’T include in your report.

Never discuss the fault with the other driver and party involved. Their concern is not how you feel or what you did during or before the accident. Even if you feel you are in the wrong, do not accept responsibility.

Contact The Insurance Company

Using your emergency claim number, mobile app, or mobile website, contact your agent and report the accident immediately. Calling from the scene is very useful. In the event of police involvement, sometimes they can shed some light on the insurance company about what has transpired.

Filing Your Accident Claim

It is important to know what to do after a car accident, and filing a claim is something you need to know how to do. Make sure you use the number for accident claims, and the agent will be able to walk you through filing the claim for the accident. Sometimes, a mobile app or website can help you start the claim with easy steps to get the ball rolling faster.

Your responsibility after an accident is not to divulge in conversation; it is to collect the facts of the situation and not be involved any further. Do not commit to handling the matter yourself, and never admit fault to the other party, police, or insurance company. Collect the information you need and handle it properly. In many states, it is important to know, it is required by law that you report any accident you see or are involved in. Your insurance commissioner/representative can provide you with specific state laws.

 

Car Accidents
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Someone Hit My Parked Car and Drove Off
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Someone Hit My Car, Whose Insurance Do I Call?

When you are involved in a car accident, or someone hits your car and drives off, you experience a level of stress that you aren’t accustomed to. So, in order to ensure that this process proceeds smoothly, you should be prepared and thorough with the details in the report. In the event of your car being hit, you may not know whose insurance you should make a call to. You might not even know what details to take down. So within this article, we will discuss the things you should know about what to do at the scene of an accident.

 

Checklist: What To Do After a Car Accident [Infographic]

 

Make a Call To Your Insurance Provider

“Someone hit my car, whose insurance do I call?” In the event of an accident, which you are certain isn’t your fault, you should always contact your insurance company first, even in a hit and run. While the fear of increased rates is a real thing, you mustn’t let it compel you not to reach out. However, there are many states that make it prohibited to increase rates due to an accident you aren’t at fault of.

It is a show of good faith, and helpful in the future, to contact your insurance provider in the event of a car accident or collision. Even if the other driver insists it isn’t their fault, always make a claim. Whether or not you believe you are at fault, make sure that you report any accident you are involved in your insurer.

Depending on what coverage you have, it is typically the responsibility of your insurance provider to cover the immediate costs of any hit & run or accident. With insurance that covers collisions, a claim is a step closer to getting repairs/replacement. Your insurance should cover the costs, aside from the deductible and associated costs.

After another driver contacts their insurance providers, in the event of an accident, the insurance companies work together to determine who is at fault. If you are found to not be at fault, your provider will work to recover any costs that they or you had to pay due to the accident.

There is, however, some work you should handle before this process can transpire.

 

Take Important Information at the Accident Scene

There are instances, even when you are not at fault, that insurances can sometimes show an at-fault report in certain systems. If you find yourself in this position, you could be called on to provide documentation that supports your claim of not being at fault. Doing so can have this removed from records, such as MVR. It is because of this why you should collect all the details and pictures necessary and relevant to the accident, regardless of what you perceive is at fault.

If you find yourself involved in an accident with another driver, make sure that you contact the police and tell them that you were involved in an accident. This is especially important if there is severe damage or any kind of injury.

However, the severity of the accident, a third party collecting information from all witnesses and parties involved, is vital to determining fault in an accident. Make sure that you obtain a copy of a police report, or the number relevant to the report, for your insurance company. Many states, like Missouri, require by law that you report any accident that involves $500 or more in property damage, bodily injury, or death.

Whether or not you involve the police in a car accident, you need to collect some vital information for yourself, such as:

  • The Contact Information of the Other Driver Involved
  • Name and Address of Other Driver
  • License Information of Other Driver
  • Policy & Insurance Company Information from Other Driver
  • Pictures of Scene and Damage
  • Witness Statements and Contact Info

You will find that insurance companies usually have a checklist and apps you can utilize at the scene to document and preserve any and all details that pertain to the accident. It is your responsibility to contact your insurance company, and when you do, make sure to report the insurance information of the other driver. If the other driver doesn’t report to their insurance company, providing the information to your company will ensure that the matter is properly handled.

You will be back on the road in no time, with the information in the hands of your insurance provider. So make sure that you collect all the proper information. You should never have to ask yourself, “Someone hit my car, whose insurance do I call?”

Car Accidents
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someone hit my car whose insurance do i call
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Someone Hit My Parked Car and Left, Now What?

You and a friend are enjoying a nice evening shopping, things are great, and you’re enjoying yourself. You get out to the parking garage only to find a tragedy that leaves you asking, “Someone hit my parked car and left, what do I do?” So we have compiled information and tips for you to follow if you are involved in a hit-and-run accident.

 

Checklist: What To Do After a Car Accident [Infographic]

 

What is a Hit-and-Run?

It is considered a hit-and-run when someone collides with your car, parked or in motion, and flees the scene without leaving information. It is a legal obligation to fulfill certain duties when you collide with another vehicle — for example, writing a note with contact information and insurance information. The driver who hit your car is required to find out who you are or make contact with you in the event of an accident. But what do you do when someone hits your car and flees?

 

What To Do At The Scene

Protect your rights and make sure the evidence stays preserved; with these steps, you can do just that:

 

  1. Do Not Leave The Scene

While you may be tempted to follow the person who hit you, you shouldn’t leave the scene of the accident until the police have been informed and a report is made. Make sure you gather all the information at the scene of the crime and preserve the evidence the best you can.

 

  1. Gather Witnesses

Gather the information of any and all witnesses to the accident that you can.

 

  1. Contact The Police

While only some states require by law that you report any accident, it is advised that this is always done. Even if a note is left, a police accident report should be filed for insurance purposes. Also, the report will document the evidence at the scene.

 

  1. Document Location & Time

Make sure you document the time and location of the collision.

 

  1. Take A Lot of Photos

Make sure you take plenty of photographs that show not only the scene of the accident but any damage or evidence of it as well. If you have a paint mark from the other car involved, make sure you get a close up picture of it.

 

  1. File an Insurance Claim

If you want to expedite the claim process, make sure you reach out to your insurer immediately after the accident. The sooner, the better. Be prepared with all the information you can get, and the agent will tell you what information you need to file a claim.

 

Filing an Insurance Claim for a Hit-And-Run

If you can locate the person and gather their information, you can make a third-party claim through their insurance provider to cover the damages for repairs. However, if finding a person is impossible, you have to file the claim with your insurance company. If you have the uninsured motorist coverage, it will compensate you for accidents that are considered hit-and-run. Not all states require this coverage, so it is considered optional in many states. Make sure to discuss with your insurance company what your policy covers, and learn about what will cover a hit-and-run accident.

While no one wants to make the statement, ‘Someone hit my parked car and left, and I don’t know what to do.’ Always consult with a lawyer, even if it is a hit-and-run. Proper procedures allow you to recover any damages. An expert automobile accident attorney can guide you through the process of making a claim, increasing how much you will be given for your repairs or replacement car.

 

Car Accidents
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What to do when Someone Hits Your Parked Car
Regular Post
Written by admin

What To Do When Someone Hits Your Parked Car?

Accidents happen every day, and sometimes you don’t even have to be driving for one to happen. You need to know what to do when someone hits your parked car. For starters, you should call the police. The local police department will come out and start an accident report. After that, you should start the process of making a claim with your insurance agent. If you have the right coverage, damages could be covered by your insurance.

 

Checklist: What To Do After a Car Accident [Infographic]

 

What To Do At The Scene

There are a few steps that you should follow if you find that your parked car was involved in a collision:

  • Contact the Police- Contacting the police should always be your first priority if someone hits your car, parked, or moving. The reason being is because you can have an accident report made up to show your insurance company during the claim process. Make sure you get the badge number, name, and a copy of the report from the assisting officer.
  • Gather the Details of the Accident- You need to gather all the information that you can, documenting damages using pictures or videos. Make sure to also take pictures of the scene and location of the accident, even the tire marks and debris. When documenting the details, make sure that the location, weather, and time of day are recorded as well.
  • Contact Your Insurance Company- You need to contact your insurance company/agent as soon as you can after the accident. That way, the details are still fresh in your mind. Your insurance agent will guide you through the process of filing a claim, informing you of the details you will need. Many insurance companies will provide an application that allows you to make a claim and share photos of the accident with your agent. If it a business vehicle, you would have to contact the insurance company of the business.

In the event of the driver who collided with your vehicle leaving a note for you, make sure you share it with the police and your insurance. Most of the time, your insurance agent will work with the insurance of the other driver to settle the claim the right way.

 

HIT-AND-RUN Situations

If your parked car was struck and the one who hit it has fled the scene without leaving any information, the police could classify it as a hit-and-run. If this is the case, the other driver will likely be considered uninsured.

States have varying penalties in the case of a hit-and-run, depending on the damage and/or injury involved with the accident. Many states will classify a hit-and-run as a felony if the damage is severe enough or there was a physical injury involved. Other states, however, do not require bodily injury to make it a felony.

 

Will Insurance Cover My Parked Car Being Hit?

This question is best answered based on your coverage. The following coverages can be purchased to offer protection for your car if it is struck while parked:

  • Uninsured Coverage for Motorist Property- This coverage will help pay for the repairs needed after your car is struck by another driver who has left the scene or is uninsured. This coverage isn’t available in all states, and when it is, it is usually an optional coverage.
  • Collision Coverage- This coverage will normally be used to replace or repair your car if it involved in a collision. It doesn’t matter who is at fault; you will be covered. If the other driver has left, you can possibly file the claim under your insurance policy.

Both of these coverages, you might be required to pay a deductible prior to your insurance company’s part in paying for the damages. Based on your coverage and policy limits, you will have the maximum amount that your insurance company will spend on a claim that is covered.

While it is a stressful situation, you need to know what to do when someone hits your parked car. Having the right coverage with your auto insurance company can help make some of these stressful moments less upsetting. Avoid making a situation worse without the right coverage, contact a local insurance agent to find out your coverage options that are specific to your area.

Car Accidents
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