Steps to take after a Richmond Auto Accident

According to Allstate Insurance’s most recent “Best Drivers Report,” a Richmond driver can expect to be in an auto collision once every 10.2 years. When that crash occurs, will you be ready? Will you know what to do on the scene? Will you know how to respond in the days after the wreck? At Marks & Harrison, we know that getting into a car accident isn’t something you want to think about. Still, the more prepared we are, the more likely we are to protect your rights.

If the accident is caused by the other driver, then you should be entitled to full compensation for your car damage, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and other losses. Our Richmond car accident injury lawyers have provided the following checklist to help you. To learn more, call us today at (800) 283-2202 or use our online form. If you have been in a crash, we can schedule a free, confidential and no-obligation consultation.

  1. Be prepared. Keep your auto insurance information in your glove compartment. It’s important to review this policy and contact either your insurance company or an attorney if you have questions about what is covered and what’s not covered. It’s also a good idea to keep a notebook, pen and camera in your car. As you will see below, these items can all be useful after an auto wreck.
  2. Get medical attention right away. If your injuries are severe, of course you will be taken from the scene in an ambulance. But even if they don’t appear to be serious, it’s important to get yourself checked out at the scene by EMTs, go the emergency room or visit your doctor in the days after the accident. Minor aches and pains after a wreck may be signs of a serious back, spine, chest or head / brain injury.
  3. Exchange name, driver’s license and insurance information. After the accident, you will need to exchange your name and driver’s licenses information with the other driver(s) involved. If you have stored your insurance information in your car, you will provide it to the other driver(s) as well. But also make sure to get their insurance information. This information will be helpful when you report the crash to your own insurance company and when you speak with an attorney later on.
  4. Take photos. If you have kept a camera in your car, use it to document the scene. Take photos of the cars involved, skid marks, debris, damaged signs or trees and your own injuries. Even if you don’t have a camera, most cell phones have a feature that allows you to take pictures. Again, this information will be handy when dealing with attorneys and insurance companies. Take photos for the accident report.
  5. Get the names of witnesses. If you have a pen and notebook on hand, get the names and contact information of any witnesses who saw or heard the accident. It’s important to do this fast. Witnesses usually don’t stay on the scene long after an accident.
  6. Get the police report. Make sure to get the name, phone number and badge number of the officer who shows up to the scene. You will need this information when you seek a copy of the police accident report. These reports usually are available shortly after the accident.
  7. Do not talk to the other driver’s insurance company. Although you need to report the accident to your insurance company, you are under no obligation to speak with the other driver’s insurance company. These companies may try to elicit statements or talk you into a quick settlement, which harms your right to full compensation. If an insurance claims adjustor calls you, simply explain that you would like to speak with an attorney first.

Contact Our Richmond Car Accident Lawyers

In some cases, you may not have a claim, or it may not be in your best financial interest to hire an attorney after a car accident. You will never know unless you contact an attorney first. At Marks & Harrison, our Richmond car accident lawyers provide free, confidential and no-obligation consultations. You lose nothing by simply calling us at (800) 283-2202 or using our online form to schedule a consultation. We can examine the facts of your case and help you decide on the best course of action that will protect your rights and interests. Contact us today by calling toll free at 1-800-283-2202. Our phones are answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also submit a Case Evaluation online.