A car accident can leave you shaken and unsure of what to do next. However, the time right after an accident is a critical time to take the right steps to protect your health and your ability, especially if you decide to file an insurance claim or lawsuit later.
Our Tacoma car accident lawyers will work with care to hold those responsible accountable and pursue the financial support that can help ease the burdens you may be facing. Below is a list of key actions to take after a crash in Washington State.
Check Yourself and Others for Injuries and Get Medical Help
Your health and safety are the top priorities. Check for injuries to yourself and others involved in the accident and go to the emergency room if you or others are feeling any pain or discomfort at all.
Even if you feel OK, some injuries and symptoms can show up later, and you want to prepare for that possibility. Call 911 to request medical assistance if anyone is hurt.
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Call the Police Immediately After the Accident
In Washington, state law requires that any car accident resulting in injury, death, or property damage be reported to the police. It also mandates that drivers file a report with the Washington State Department of Transportation if law enforcement does not investigate the accident.
This report must be submitted within four days of the crash. If police document the accident scene, they will create an official accident report, which you can use later if you must file an insurance claim later.
The report should include details like the location of the crash, weather conditions, and any statements from witnesses or drivers involved.
Stay Calm and do Not Discuss Fault at the Accident Scene
After an accident, you should stay calm as possible and avoid arguments with the other driver or witnesses. Emotions can run high, but discussing fault or making accusations at the scene can complicate the situation.
Let the police and insurance companies handle fault determination. Anything you say could be used against you in the claims process, so focus on gathering facts and confirming that everyone is safe.
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Exchange Information with the Other Drivers
Exchange the following information with the other driver to ensure you have everything needed for insurance claims and legal purposes:
- Full names, phone numbers, and addresses
- Driver’s license numbers
- License plate numbers
- Insurance company names and policy numbers
Having this information is vital for your claim or any future legal actions.
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Take Photos and Document the Scene
You can use a cell phone to take pictures of the scene, including:
- Damage to all vehicles involved
- Skid marks or road debris
- Road conditions and weather
- Traffic signs or signals
- Any visible injuries
You can capture wide-angle shots of the entire scene and close-ups of specific damage or hazards. These images can provide important evidence for your insurance claim or legal case and help clarify the events that led to the accident.
Get Contact Information from Witnesses
If anyone saw the accident, get their contact information, including their name and phone number. Witnesses can give statements that can help confirm the details of what happened, especially if a dispute occurs about fault or the events leading up to the crash.
The perspectives of people who saw the crash can support your claim when it comes to naming who’s responsible or identifying the losses you suffered. Witness accounts also can help you defend against conflicting accounts that could arise in the future.
Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company
Tell your insurance company about the accident promptly. In Washington, motorists must report an accident to the insurance company, which can guide them through the claims process. Be honest, stick to the facts, and do not admit fault.
You can talk to our attorneys before talking to the insurance company to guard against saying something that could hurt your case. We can also talk to them for you.
Follow Up on Medical Care
Even if you feel fine immediately after the accident, it’s crucial to follow up with a doctor. Some injuries, like whiplash or concussions, may not be obvious right away. Keeping medical records can also support your injury claim.
Keep a Record of the Accident and Expenses
Keep copies of medical bills, vehicle repair receipts, and any correspondence with your insurance company. Tracking your expenses will help calculate the amount of compensation you may be entitled to receive.
You can also keep a journal to document your physical and emotional recovery after the accident. Include details about your injuries, pain levels, treatments, and how the accident affects your daily life.
This personal record can be valuable evidence when negotiating with insurance companies or pursuing a legal claim, as it provides a clear picture of your suffering and the ongoing impact of the accident.
Consider Getting Legal Help from Our Car Accident Lawyers
If your accident resulted in significant injuries, or if you’re facing challenges with your insurance claim, you can speak with a Tacoma personal injury lawyer on our team.
Our experienced attorneys will review the accident and your damages and determine how we can help you.
These 10 things you can do after a car accident can make a big difference in how smoothly things go afterward. Protect your well-being by taking immediate action. Our firm will make sure you have everything you need to pursue an insurance claim or lawsuit for damages.
How We Can Represent You After a Crash in Washington State
After a collision, the legal process can feel overwhelming, but our team is here to take on the burden for you. We handle every aspect of your case so you can focus on recovering. Our representation includes:
- Investigating the accident: We collect important evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, and photos from the scene, to build a strong case for you.
- Identifying who’s responsible for the crash: We investigate the details of the accident to determine who is at fault, whether another driver, a vehicle manufacturer, or a government agency.
- Assessing your damages: We review all of your losses, including medical bills, lost income, property damage, and pain and suffering, to make sure you seek the right amount of compensation.
- Leading talks with insurance companies: We handle all conversations with insurance adjusters to protect your rights and ensure you are treated fairly.
- Negotiating settlements: Our injury lawyers work to get you a fair settlement that covers your medical costs, lost wages, and other damages.
- Taking your case to court if necessary: If we can’t reach a fair insurance settlement, our Tacoma car accident lawsuit lawyers can take your case to court and fight for the compensation you deserve.
What Happens if a Car Accident Causes Fatal Injuries?
If an accident causes fatal injuries, the incident is typically treated as a wrongful death case. In these situations, the family may pursue legal action against the responsible party for the loss of their relative.
Key actions that may follow include:
- Police investigation: Law enforcement will likely conduct a detailed investigation, especially if the crash involves criminal elements such as reckless driving or DUI.
- Wrongful death action: The decedent’s family may file a wrongful death lawsuit to seek compensation for damages like funeral and burial expenses, lost income, and emotional pain and suffering.
- Insurance claims: Insurance companies will review the collision and may attempt to settle with the family. However, settlements might not cover all losses, so hiring legal representation may be the next step.
- Possible criminal charges: If reckless or impaired driving caused the accident, the liable party could face criminal charges.
If your loved one suffered car accident injuries, we are sorry for your loss and want to help you.
You can work with our compassionate Tacoma wrongful death lawyers while you focus on handling your loved one’s final arrangements. We can lead your case for damages and provide emotional and legal support throughout your case.
Don’t Know What to Do After a Car Accident? Call Dan Next!
If you’re unsure about what to do after a car accident, our Tacoma car accident lawyers can guide you through the process from start to finish and file your case on time. NextLaw has helped many clients recover losses for injuries in car accidents.
Dan and his team will handle the tough conversations with insurers, gather evidence to boost your claim, and fight for your deserved compensation. Reach out to us for a free consultation where you can review your legal options and possible road to recovery.
Call or text 253 238 2558 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form