A car accident can change the course of the victim’s life. Injuries can range from back pain and whiplash to critical auto accident injuries such as spinal cord injuries and even fatal injuries. However, they also leave the victims with piles of unpaid bills, missed wages, and other long-term expenses. In order to get fair compensation that will help you get back on your feet, there are a few things you need to do, starting with contact my auto insurance after an accident.
What Steps Do I Take After a Car Accident?
First things first, ensure your personal safety and the safety of others while you are still at the accident scene. Seek medical attention if necessary. Keep in mind that not all injuries are immediately obvious at the scene of the accident. In fact, certain symptoms can appear up to 48 hours after the accident.
Even if you weren’t injured, call 911. Having a police report will help you build a strong case and get the compensation you rightfully deserve. Then, exchange insurance company details with other drivers involved in the accident. Write down their name, phone number, address, and the name of their insurance company, as well as their policy number. You will also need to contact your auto insurance.
Why Should I Contact My Insurance Agent?
It’s a common misconception that you’re not required to contact my auto insurance after an accident was caused by another driver. Even if they accept responsibility for the accident, and you intend to pursue an insurance claim against their insurance company, you still need to contact your insurance agent. There might be additional benefits covered by your insurance company that you might need to use later on.
Also, their insurance company might not be willing to pay you right away, so you’ll need to cover your expenses before the settlement is finalized. Letting your insurance company know about a car accident is even more critical if the other driver does not have any car insurance at all.
Medical Expense Insurance Coverage
Medical treatment tends to be more expensive than you think and not many people can pay for it out of their own pockets. As a result, you may want to use any medical payments or medical expense coverage you may have on your policy. This will cover any medical bills that occurred as a result of your car accident injuries, regardless of who caused the accident.
Other Expenses
There are many expenses involved in car accidents most people are not aware of. For example, your insurance company can cover the towing expenses and then will request to be paid back by the other person’s insurance. If you fail to contact your insurance company, you might end up having to pay for towing yourself.
In some cases, the other driver might claim you caused the accident and file a claim against you. If this happens, you don’t have to pay the cost of defending yourself. Your insurance company is required to provide a defense for you.