5 most important calls to make after car accident
Did you know that each year 4.4 million people in the U.S. are injured seriously enough in car accidents to require medical attention?
If you've ever been involved in a motor vehicle mishap, you know it's a stressful ordeal. But do you know what calls you should make if you're ever involved in a car accident? Call the police if someone is hurt or there’s property damage, call your insurance company to file a claim, call your doctor to schedule a check-up, and call a personal injury lawyer if you're injured.
But that’s not all. Keep reading to learn about five calls to make following a vehicle accident. You might have difficulty knowing what to do in the immediate aftermath of an accident. That’s why it’s a good idea to know what calls you need to make ahead of time.
1. Police
It’s essential that you notify the authorities if anyone is injured in the accident or if there’s significant damage. In the event that you need to file an insurance claim, you’ll want a police report detailing the particulars of the mishap. While you’ll want to make sure everyone involved in the accident is okay, don’t engage in unnecessary discussions with anyone else involved.
2. Insurer
After an accident, you should report the incident to your insurance company. Even if the accident was minor, it makes sense to let your insurer know what happened. What might look like insignificant damage at the site of the accident might wind up being a more costly repair bill. You won’t be able to see all the damage by only looking at the sheet metal. And you won’t necessarily feel the physical impact right after the accident You’ll want to get the car checked out -- and you’ll want to get yourself checked out. But more on that later.
3. Family Doctor
Ensure you make an appointment to see your doctor. It's best to get checked out, get X-rays done if you are injured, and do whatever your doctor recommends. If you are injured in the accident, you'll be able to make a better case for compensation by affirming that you were checked out by a medical professional. Do yourself a favor by seeing your doctor.
4. Personal Injury Lawyer
You'll want to contact a personal injury lawyer if you're ever injured in a vehicle accident. Personal injury law is a complex area of law. You need the help of a legal professional who knows the ins and outs of the law and understands the process. It will be a long process, so hiring someone with experience representing people in court and working out settlements is critical.
5. Tow Truck
What should you do if your car is inoperable? If that's the case, you'll need to call a tow truck company to have your vehicle taken to an automotive repair facility. Are you a member of AAA or a similar company? If so, booking a tow truck to get your car off the road and to an auto repair facility will be easier. Before doing so, check to see if your insurance company will cover the cost of a car rental. You won't want to be stranded, after all.
Bonus: You'll want to contact your family or close friends to let them know what happened. It's good to keep people you care about in the loop. They'll also come in useful if you want a ride.
You need to make these five calls after being involved in a car accident. Despite people's best efforts, accidents happen on the roadway and on the highway. In addition to exercising caution when driving, you must know what to do if something terrible happens.