Vehicle Accident Assist Blog

Expert advice, tips, and information about motor vehicle accidents, claims, and prevention

Car accident scene
September 15, 2024

What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident

Being involved in a car accident can be a traumatic and disorienting experience. In the moments following a collision, it's crucial to remain as calm as possible and take specific steps to protect yourself, your passengers, and your legal rights.

1. Check for Injuries and Move to Safety

First, check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately. If the vehicles are operable and creating a hazard, move them to the side of the road. If not, turn on your hazard lights and set up warning triangles or flares if you have them.

2. Contact the Police

Even for minor accidents, it's important to have an official police report. This document can be crucial when filing an insurance claim. When the police arrive, provide an accurate account of what happened without admitting fault or blaming others.

3. Document the Scene

Use your smartphone to take pictures of:

  • All vehicles involved from multiple angles
  • License plates of all vehicles
  • Damage to all vehicles
  • The accident scene, including traffic signs, signals, and road conditions
  • Any visible injuries

4. Exchange Information

Collect the following information from all drivers involved:

  • Full name and contact information
  • Insurance company and policy number
  • Driver's license number
  • License plate number
  • Make, model, and color of all vehicles
Remember: Do not discuss fault or apologize at the scene, as these statements could be used against you later. Stick to the facts when speaking with other drivers and the police.

5. Seek Medical Attention

Even if you don't feel injured immediately after the accident, it's important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries, like whiplash or concussions, may not present symptoms until hours or days after the accident.

6. Notify Your Insurance Company

Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Provide them with the facts of the accident and the documentation you collected. Be honest and accurate in your account.

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Insurance documents
August 28, 2024

Understanding Your Insurance Coverage

Auto insurance policies can be complex documents filled with industry jargon that can be difficult to understand. However, knowing what your policy actually covers is essential to being properly protected in the event of an accident.

Types of Auto Insurance Coverage

Liability Coverage

This is required in most states and covers injuries and property damage you cause to others in an accident. It typically includes:

  • Bodily Injury Liability: Covers medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering of others
  • Property Damage Liability: Covers damage you cause to someone else's property

Collision Coverage

This optional coverage pays for damage to your own vehicle resulting from a collision with another vehicle or object, regardless of who is at fault.

Comprehensive Coverage

This covers damage to your vehicle from non-collision events such as theft, vandalism, fire, natural disasters, or hitting an animal.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

Also known as "no-fault" insurance, PIP covers medical expenses for you and your passengers regardless of who caused the accident. It may also cover lost wages and other expenses.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

This protects you if you're in an accident caused by a driver who has no insurance or insufficient insurance to cover your damages.

Tip: Review your policy annually and after major life events. Make sure your coverage limits are adequate for your current situation, and consider increasing them if you can afford to do so.

What Might Be Missing From Your Policy

Many drivers discover too late that their policy doesn't include important coverages such as:

  • Rental car reimbursement
  • Gap insurance (important if you lease or have a loan on your vehicle)
  • Custom parts and equipment coverage
  • Roadside assistance
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Legal consultation
August 10, 2024

Common Myths About Injury Claims

When it comes to filing injury claims after a car accident, misinformation abounds. Believing these common myths can cost you significantly in terms of both compensation and peace of mind. Let's debunk some of the most persistent misconceptions.

Myth 1: "The Insurance Company Will Offer a Fair Settlement Right Away"

Insurance companies are businesses focused on their bottom line. Their first offer is often much lower than what your claim is actually worth. It's common practice to initially deny or undervalue claims, hoping claimants will accept less than they deserve.

Myth 2: "I Can't Afford a Lawyer"

Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if you receive a settlement or court award. Typically, their fee is a percentage of your recovery, so there are no upfront costs for their services.

Myth 3: "I Feel Fine, So I Must Not Be Injured"

Many injuries, including whiplash, concussions, and soft tissue damage, may not show symptoms immediately after an accident. Adrenaline can mask pain initially. It's crucial to seek medical attention even if you feel okay, as some injuries can worsen over time without treatment.

Myth 4: "I Can File a Claim Whenever I Want"

Every state has statutes of limitations that restrict how long you have to file a personal injury claim after an accident. These time limits vary by state and by the type of claim, ranging from one to six years in most cases.

Fact: In most states, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is 2-3 years from the date of the accident. Missing this deadline can forever bar you from recovering compensation.

Myth 5: "If I Was Partially at Fault, I Can't Recover Anything"

Many states follow comparative negligence rules, which allow you to recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 20% at fault, you could still recover 80% of your damages.

Myth 6: "Insurance Will Cover All My Damages"

Insurance policies have limits, and some types of damages may not be fully covered. Additionally, certain damages like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life can be difficult to quantify but are often significant components of a claim.

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