Posted on Monday, January 1st, 2024 at 9:00 am
If you’ve recently been hurt in a Lakewood, WA, car wreck, and it was someone else’s fault, knowing what to do after an accident that is not your fault in Lakewood is crucial. When someone causes a wreck in Washington, their insurance is responsible for compensating anyone injured by the crash for their accident-related losses.
If someone caused a wreck that harmed you, you can file a claim with their insurer seeking compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other losses resulting from your injuries. Their insurance may also pay for damages to your property. Taking the right steps in the aftermath of a collision can significantly influence your odds of receiving the compensation you’re entitled to.
What to Do After an Accident That Is Not Your Fault
Insurance companies are businesses. When you file a claim after a wreck, an insurer may hope they can avoid paying you.
If an insurer denies responsibility, they might claim there isn’t enough evidence to show that their insured caused the crash. You can guard against this by taking the following steps immediately after a collision:
Get to Safety
This is most important. Address any injuries requiring immediate attention, and move yourself, your passengers, and your vehicle, if possible, to a safe spot away from traffic.
Exchange Information
You may be angry immediately after a wreck that someone else caused, wondering what to do after an accident that is not your fault in Lakewood. That’s understandable. Your car’s been damaged, and you might have been hurt. However, confronting another driver in anger could exacerbate the situation.
Calmly approach all others involved in the wreck. Ask if they need any urgent medical care. Exchange contact information and insurance information with the other driver or drivers once you’ve confirmed they’re safe.
Be careful when responding to questions now. If someone asks if you’re injured, don’t say you’re “fine.” You might have injuries without knowing it. Also, don’t say anything indicating the crash is even partially your fault. Even apologizing after a wreck could harm your case.
Report the Crash
Unless a police officer responds to the scene and completes a report, you need to notify the police of an accident in writing within four days to report a crash in Washington when it results in one of the following:
- Death
- Bodily injury
- Property damage of at least $1,000
Always call the police after a wreck. A police report may serve as a valuable piece of evidence during future proceedings. The police report may contain information that strengthens your allegations regarding who caused the collision.
Take Pictures
If you are well enough to do so, thoroughly document the accident scene, the damage to your vehicle, and any physical signs of your injuries by taking pictures. Keep the following tips in mind when doing so:
- Take pictures of the accident scene from multiple angles so that anyone viewing them can understand where all the vehicles and other elements are in relation to one another.
- Take pictures of both the exteriors and interiors of vehicles.
- Take pictures of license plates.
- Consider doing a video “walkthrough” in which you describe how the crash occurred, filming the relevant locations and vehicles as you speak.
Save both physical and digital copies of these pictures in multiple locations. You don’t want to lose them while building a claim or lawsuit.
Speak with Witnesses
Identify any witnesses at the scene who saw the crash occur. Get their names and contact information.
You may even ask if you can record or film witness statements at the scene. Recording a witness’s statement when the memory of the wreck is still fresh in their mind may help you get accurate descriptions of the incident.
See a Doctor
Seeking medical care on the day of a wreck is critical. You must see a doctor even if you don’t believe you’ve sustained injuries.
Adrenaline could be pumping through your body after a crash. It may prevent you from noticing injury symptoms right away.
Seeking medical care immediately after a crash doesn’t just ensure you receive the treatment you need. It also establishes an undeniable link between the wreck and your injuries. This link prevents an insurer from claiming your injuries might have resulted from a separate incident. If you’re wondering what to do after an accident that is not your fault in Lakewood, prioritizing prompt medical attention remains crucial.
Contact the Insurance Company
“Someone hit my car. Whose insurance do I call?”
You may be overcomplicating matters by asking yourself such questions. Contact both your insurance and the insurance of the driver you believe caused the wreck. However, be cautious about working directly with insurance adjusters. Instead, let your lawyer handle all those conversations.
Contact a Lakewood, WA, Car Accident Lawyer
Pursuing the compensation you deserve is easier when you have proper legal representation. At The Law Offices of Briggs & Briggs, a Lakewood, WA, car accident attorney can help you through the legal process. Learn more about what we can do for you by contacting us online or calling (253) 588-6696 today for a case review.
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