3. Call the Police
Always ask for law enforcement (dial 911 to get the – city police, county sheriff or state highway patrol) to come out to investigate the scene.
While waiting for law enforcement to arrive, you can take photographs of the scene of the accident, the other vehicles involved in the accident and obtain insurance information from the other persons involved in the accident.
If law enforcement does not arrive at the scene, you may exchange information and follow up with your local law enforcement office to fill out an incident report. However, it is important that you obtain information regarding the other party at the scene of the accident in order to complete the report at your local law enforcement office. You may also be able to look online to print out an agency report from your local law enforcement agency.
4. Exchange Information
Get the name(s), number(s), address(es), driver’s license number(s), license plate number(s), and insurance information from all driver(s) involved. If there are passengers and/or witnesses, also obtain their names, numbers, and addresses. If possible, call the insurance company for the at fault driver to set up the claim while you are still at the scene of the accident. By calling the at fault driver’s insurance company while you wait at the scene of the accident, you may be able to ensure the policy information is correct and active.
5. Witnesses
Assess the situation and see if there are any potential witnesses to the accident. If there are, get their name, telephone number and address. You may also be able to go to any storefront to determine if they have cameras or anyone within the store saw the accident occur.
6. Inform Your Insurance Company
With Attorney Nater you should promptly inform your insurance company of the accident. Your attorney will guide you on the best way to explain the accident and your injuries to your insurance carrier. Having an attorney during this time is crucial to your case because often times insurance companies will record your answer to poorly phrased questions. At Nater Law Firm, we are on the phone with you during this process. Other times we may be able to entirely eliminate this process by opening the claim for you.
7. Take Pictures
Take photographs of the damage to all the vehicles involved in the accident immediately after the accident. Photographs are assess the point of impact, as well as the extent of damage. Also, take photographs of track marks or skid marks left on the road by any of the vehicles involved in the auto accident. Document the scene of the accident as best you can by taking many pictures.
8. Get a Property Damage Valuation
Obtain a property damage valuation from the at fault driver’s insurance carrier or your own insurance carrier if you have collision coverage. If you aren’t satisfied with how the insurance companies have valued the repair of your vehicle or the market value of your vehicle, do not give up! We can work with you on getting an independent appraisal of the damage to your vehicle and compare it with to the insurance companies’ evaluations. Obtaining additional independent damage evaluations could also assist us in making a diminished value claim on your behalf.
9. Consider Hiring Attorney Fanny Nater
At Nater Law Firm, PLLC we represent the injured. Prior to representing the injured, Attorney Nater worked for law firms that represented insurance companies. Attorney Nater understands what insurance companies need to properly evaluate your claim. Early involvement is crucial to maximize your recovery and limit the loss of evidence. Great attention to detail and knowledge of your rights is what makes the Nater Law Firm, PLLC a five star rated firm. Look at our reviews.
At Nater Law Firm we take pride in our high settlement offers and proven results.
Millions recovered and Millions to be recovered!