January 01, 2024
If you’re ever hurt in a car wreck in Valparaiso, Indiana, knowing what steps to take in the immediate aftermath is critical. You may be eligible for compensation if someone else caused the collision.
By filing a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance, you can seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and even intangible losses, like pain and suffering. Filing a lawsuit is another potential way to get a careless driver to pay for damages when they don’t have insurance, or their insurer won’t offer a fair settlement.
However, an insurance company may not be inclined to offer all the compensation you deserve. Taking the right steps after a crash could improve your chances of receiving a fair settlement.
What to Do After an Accident That Is Not Your Fault in Valparaiso, Indiana
Knowing what not to do after a wreck is as important as knowing what you should do. Never say you’re “fine” when someone asks if you’re okay after a crash.
You may have sustained injuries despite not currently noticing any injury symptoms. Saying you’re unharmed could hurt your case later if a claims adjuster finds out you made such a statement.
In addition, don’t say anything suggesting you might have caused the crash or that you could have avoided it had you been paying more attention. Even being apologetic that the accident happened could suggest you’re accepting fault.
Steps you should take after a wreck include:
Get to Safety
Check yourself and your passengers for injuries. Provide immediate care when necessary. Once it’s safe to do so, move to a safe spot away from traffic. Consider putting out road flares or other such items to let approaching drivers know of the wreck.
Check to See if Anyone Needs Help
Now isn’t the time to confront a driver you believe caused the crash. Instead, calmly check to see if the other drivers need medical attention.
Exchange insurance and contact information with the other drivers. If a driver flees the scene, try to take a picture of their vehicle or make note of any identifying details.
Call the Police
You must call 911 to report a crash in Indiana when it causes one of the following:
- Bodily injury
- Death
- Property damage, if the property is unattended or if you cannot find the person who owns the property.
Always assume you must call the police after a wreck. An official police report could serve as a valuable piece of evidence in your case.
Gather Evidence
If you are able and your injuries are not severe, you can help your injury claim even before you leave the scene. If an insurer denies responsibility when you file a claim, they may do so on the grounds that you haven’t provided sufficient evidence that the insured caused the wreck. One way to guard against this is by gathering evidence at the crash scene.
Take pictures of the accident scene from multiple angles. Thoroughly document any signs of damage to your vehicle, including to the interior. Take pictures of visual signs of your injuries as well.
Identify witnesses who saw the crash occur. Take down their names and contact information. If a witness is willing to give a statement at the scene, record them. A fresh witness statement may be more valuable than one that is a few weeks or months old.
See a Doctor
Never assume you don’t need medical care just because you don’t notice injury symptoms. See a doctor to ensure you don’t need treatment. Save copies of medical records, as you may need to submit copies with a claim.
Call Insurance
“Someone hit my car. Whose insurance do I call?”
Check your policy and find out the requirements for reporting crashes you didn’t cause. You should also contact the other driver’s insurance to let them know you plan to file a claim.
However, you shouldn’t necessarily work with a claims adjuster directly. They may try to convince you to settle for less money than you deserve. Strongly consider enlisting a lawyer’s help to protect your rights. You are under no obligation to hire a lawyer after the initial case review if you decide you don’t require their services.
Contact a Valparaiso, Indiana, Car Accident Lawyer
At Custy Law Firm | Accident & Injury Lawyers, we understand the tactics insurance companies often employ to avoid paying claimants what they deserve in these types of situations. We’ll provide the representation you need right now to improve your chances of receiving a fair settlement or award of damages. Learn more about what a Valparaiso, Indiana, car accident lawyer can do for you by calling us today at (219) 286-7361 for your free case review.
