A car accident can happen anywhere in the world. Merced is no exception to car accident statistics. However, it’s essential to know what you need to do following the accident if you weren’t the one at fault. If you aren’t sure where to start when dealing with the aftermath of the crash, your best choice is most likely to speak with a personal injury attorney with experience handling car crashes.
Request a Copy of the Car Accident Police Report
One of the most vital documents you will need when making a claim against the other driver’s insurance company will be the police report created at the scene of the accident. This report will show how the accident happened and who was at fault, as well the names and contact information of both parties, assuming there are only two vehicles involved.
In Merced, where you obtain a copy of the police report will largely depend on where the accident happened, so who had jurisdiction where the car accident took place. For example, if the Merced City Police Department responded to the scene, then you will need to request the police report from the City of Merced Records Department. If the California Highway Patrol were the ones to respond, you would need to make your request with an official Collision Request Form.
See a Merced Doctor Promptly
You may have been taken to the hospital immediately after the accident via ambulance. If this was the case, it’s important to follow up with any care you need after been discharged. If you weren’t taken to the hospital, then you seek medical attention within 72 hours of the accident.
Whether you decide to see your primary care physician or go to an urgent care facility or emergency department, any injuries you’ve sustained need to be documented. Not only that, but you will need to make sure you don’t have any more serious injuries that require prompt treatment. According to the CDC, in 2012 alone, there was nearly $18B in medical costs associated with a car accident in the US. Holding the other driver and their insurance company liable for these medical costs can help keep you from having to pay them yourself.
Keep Everything Regarding the Accident
From notes you’ve taken during phone calls to any correspondence you receive via mail, email, or text message, you want to keep copies of everything. You never know when one detail can mean the difference between a small settlement from the other insurance company and needing compensation for lost wages, medical bills, and more.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Personal Injury Lawyer
A free consultation with a personal injury lawyer that has experience handling car accident cases in Merced can help you determine the strength of your lawsuit against the other driver’s insurance company and can also help determine what types of compensation for which you may be eligible. If you’ve already received your copy of the police report and you’ve been taking notes and keeping all documentation, then your free consultation can be very productive.
If you’ve been in a car accident in Merced, the free consultation with Martin Gasparian can make all the difference in your collision claim. To schedule this consultation, you can call the office at (559) 203-333 or submit your information at MaisonLaw.com.
