STEPS TO TAKE AFTER AN ACCIDENT
A speeding car driven by a distracted driver is all it takes to cause an accident. A crash can leave victims with serious injuries and vehicle repair costs to pay. After a car accident, whether you or a family member was the victim, you can take steps to hold the negligent driver accountable.
At Shep Law Group, we believe in protecting the rights of Idaho drivers who have been injured in car accidents. Our goal is to help you secure the compensation you deserve from the insurance company so that you can focus on your recovery. We proudly represent clients in Boise, Meridian, Ada County, Canyon County, and throughout Idaho.
Steps to Take After an Accident
Are you not sure what you should do after an accident? If you want to protect yourself and be confident that you have the strongest case possible, take action and follow these steps.
Find a Safe Place and Seek Medical Care
If you are on the scene of the accident, move to where you are safe first. Then, you should immediately seek medical care.
While you may think that you haven’t been injured, there are some injuries that might not appear until later or that you won’t be able to identify yourself. Seek medical attention right away from a healthcare provider.
Call the Police
Next, you need to notify the police that there was an accident. Once an officer arrives on the scene, write down their badge number and ask about how you can obtain a copy of the police report. If the accident happened within city limits, notify the local police. If it happened outside city limits, notify the office of the county sheriff or the Idaho State Police.
Gather Documentation
While you are at the scene of the accident, it’s important that you take photographs, write down the names and phone numbers of any witnesses, and exchange contact information with the other driver. Follow through and request a copy of the police report. Keep copies of all your medical records related to the accident.
Speak With Insurance Companies
Your next step should be to notify the insurance company as soon as possible. Inform your insurance agent about what happened in the accident. Then, contact the other driver’s insurance company and notify them as well.
Hire an Attorney
When you are seeking financial compensation for costs created by a car accident, hiring an attorney can help you build the strongest legal case. An experienced and knowledgeable car accident attorney will investigate the details of your case and seek the best outcome for you.
Expenses of the Accident
You already know that you’ll have bills for vehicle repairs and medical care. However, many car accident victims have to pay other costs as well.
Uninsured Driver
If the driver who caused the accident doesn’t have insurance, it may be much more difficult to secure the financial compensation you need to pay for your damages.
Consider All Costs
In addition to medical bills and vehicle repair expenses, you will also need to factor in the lost income from missing time at work. Lost income can quickly create financial stress.
“Final” Medical Bills
One day, you may think that you’ve received your last medical bill from the accident, only to find another bill in the mail the next day. It’s also possible that your injuries may get worse and will need more treatment over time.
Low First Settlement Offer
After you file an insurance claim, you should receive an offer. If the insurance company offers you a low settlement at first, then you may not receive enough funds to pay all of your bills. Instead of accepting their first offer, work with a car accident attorney who can help you negotiate and receive a higher settlement offer.
Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations is the deadline by which you must file your personal injury claim. In Idaho, once two years have passed, you can no longer file a personal injury claim. However, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a claim for damage to your vehicle or personal property.
How a Knowledgeable Attorney Can Help You
After a car accident, you need time to recover physically, emotionally, and financially. At Shep Law Group, we’re here to help you secure the resources you need to recover. We have over 15 years of experience advocating for car accident victims and we provide Idaho drivers with high-quality representation.
Shep Law Group is proud to serve clients in Boise, Meridian, Ada County, Canyon County, and throughout Idaho. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.