You may feel helpless after being hit in a vehicle accident that wasn't your fault, but the good news is that there is plenty you can do to make sure that the other party is held responsible. Here are just a few steps to consider taking:
Take Plenty of Pictures
One of the first things you should do after being hit in an accident that wasn't your fault is take lots of photos of your vehicle and yourself to help prove the damage that has been done. Even if your vehicle has only a small dent or you've been left with nothing more than a bruise, take pictures as soon as possible to document the injuries and damage as they were when the accident actually took place.
Don't wait until your bruise fades to visually document it, or for your vehicle's paint to start peeling before you can get a good picture of the big dent that's there. At the very least, you should take photos of your injuries and vehicle damage before seeing a doctor or hiring an auto body shop.
Call Your Insurance Company
Don't just file a claim on the internet or through the mail after being the victim of an auto accident. Take the time to actually call your insurance company and speak with someone about your specific case so you know what to expect as the claim filing process unfolds. Find out what kinds of documents you'll need to provide the insurance company with after your claim is filed.
And learn more about the timeline of each step that you will have to take to complete the claim filing process. You should also find out what kind of benefits you can expect to take advantage of as your recover from your accident.
Look for Evidence to Prove Fault
If possible, it is also a good idea to look for evidence that can help prove the fact that you weren't at fault when your accident took place. If your accident occurred in the parking lot of a shopping center, you could ask one of the stores in the center whether they caught footage of the accident. If so, they may be willing to provide you with a copy of the footage. And if your accident happened on a street in front of houses, you can talk to residents to find out whether they witnessed the accident. If anyone did, ask them to provide you with a written statement of what they saw.
Consult With a Personal Injury Lawyer
One of the most important things you can do after getting in a vehicle accident that wasn't your fault is consult with a personal injury lawyer. Your lawyer will be able to help you determine whether it's worth filing a personal injury claim to get compensation for the pain and suffering that is a result of your accident. And if you do decide to file a claim, your lawyer will walk you through the process from beginning to end so you never feel alone and help ensure that you get the compensation that you deserve.
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