Did you know there are north of 5 million vehicle accidents in the United States annually?
While the tally of accidents dropped by 22% between 2019 and 2020 and the number of people hurt annually dropped 17% to 2.3 million, the number of fatalities per mile climbed by 21% year-over-year.
Another source notes that the top five states for fatal vehicle accidents are Mississippi, Wyoming, Arkansas, South Carolina, and Montana. However, vehicle collisions can occur anywhere in the country. That’s why you must know what to do if you’re involved in a car accident.
If you get in a vehicle collision out of state, here are five things you must know. You’ll see it’s pretty much the same whether out of state or close to home.
1. Get in touch with the authorities
After an accident in another state, you should first contact the police. Don’t assume that calling the police is only something you do if the collision or injuries are severe. Just because the situation doesn’t look dire right after the accident doesn’t mean you’ll feel that way the next day or the following week.
As part of the evidence needed to file a claim, you’ll need a police report. An officer will get everyone’s names, gather the details, and write a report. While the insurance company doesn’t necessarily have to agree with the at-fault party mentioned in the police report, the police report can still be a vital source of evidence. It can provide the proof needed to back up your case.
2. Gather as much information as you can
You also must gather as much evidence as you can. If you have a smartphone, take pictures of the damage to your vehicle and any personal injuries. You should also get the names and contact information of people who witnessed the accident. Observe the accident scene to see if any video cameras on business or private properties might have captured footage of the accident. The more evidence you gather, the more information your lawyer can use to build a strong case.
3. Contact your insurance company
You should contact your insurance company to notify it of the accident and initiate a claim. If you hire a car accident lawyer beforehand, you can request they call your insurer.
4. Find a lawyer
If you sustain injuries after a car accident and want help, you’ll need to contact a lawyer. A reputable legal professional will help you through a difficult time so you get back on your feet. You might face a long road ahead after an accident.
Instead of struggling to get the medical care you need to move forward, allow a lawyer to help you obtain the compensation and assistance you’re entitled to. It’s a mistake to leave everything in the hands of your insurance company. You need a lawyer to work with the insurance company and get you a fair settlement — preferably without going to court.
5. See your doctor
Book an appointment to see your doctor once you return to your home state. You need to undergo a thorough examination to discover the extent of any injuries. Skipping this step could cost you. During a court case, you may lose credibility if you don’t have proof of any medical visits. Medical reports could provide information that backs up your claims.
If involved in an accident out of state, remember these steps. You’ll see they’re more or less the same steps you should follow if the accident occurs in your home state. No one wants to think about getting into a car accident, but the uncomfortable truth is they happen far too often.
If you face this scenario, knowing what to do will make things easier.
The article Five things to do if you get in an out-of-state car accident first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.
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