5 Do’s & Don’ts After A Car Accident

After a car accident, you may be feeling anything from distraught to elated. 

Whatever your emotions are following the crash, there are certain steps you should take after an accident with a driver that isn’t insured. The sooner you take these precautions, the better your recovery will be. 

Picture by NettoFigueiredo on Pixabay

Here are five things you should never do after a car accident:

Take The Driver To Court Without An Attorney Present

You may have a lot of questions, like: Do I have to pay my excess if a car accident was not my fault or will I be penalized even if I wasn’t at fault?

If you were involved in an accident with another car or a pedestrian, your first step should be to seek legal advice from a private attorney. 

Your state’s laws on auto insurance are complex and may vary from city to city. If there is a question about who is at fault or if your injuries are severe enough to warrant a lawsuit, you’ll want an attorney on your side. 

Additionally, many accidents are false claims and people attempt to collect money from the wrong person. The attorney can help you navigate these tricky waters and avoid lawsuits that are false or not worth pursuing.

Speak With A Reputable Auto Repair Company First

A reputable auto repair company will not charge you for an inspection without a pre-negotiated rate. Even if the other driver offers to pay for your repairs, you should still negotiate. Make sure you get the best deal on your repairs. 

If the accident wasn’t severe enough to require a body shop, your insurance company will likely handle the repairs. The best way to get ahold of your insurance company is through the call center. Most insurance companies have dedicated lines you can call to report the accident and file a claim.

Don’t Text Or Call Your Insurance Company Until You Have A Rep

If you have a claim with your insurance company, it’s important to keep in contact with them. Give them your contact details and let them know you can’t accept any settlement offers until you have a replacement vehicle and the money to replace it. 

You can also let the agent know that you need a rental car until your own is ready. This will help expedite the claims process.

Don’t Let Your Emotions Get The Best Of You

Many people are afraid to report the accident because they are stressed about the cost of repairs and not knowing who to blame. You should not let your emotions get the best of you and make poor financial decisions. 

If a friend offers to help you with repairs, accept the help. If a family member wants to pay for some of the repairs, let them know you don’t need their money. A car accident should not break your budget!

Final Thoughts

The best thing you can do after a car accident is to get the repairs done as soon as possible. You’ll be able to file a claim and get the maximum amount of financial help from your insurance company. 

If you have any questions about the steps you should take after a car accident, contact experienced lawyers.