you got into a car accident while traveling what do you do now heres how to navigate the process once youre back home

Safety First

Safety is always the priority. . No two accidents are the same and that includes intensity levels. If you are involved in a fairly severe accident, where one or more people are seriously injured or knocked unconscious, make sure you (or someone who is able) act quickly to call an ambulance. If there is an uninjured party with you, they should try to document the injuries to your party and damage to your car and personal property as thoroughly as possible once it is safe to do so. In an emergency accident scenario, priority number one is making sure everyone who needs medical care receives it. In this chaotic situation, it will be a good idea – once the health and safety of everyone involved has been assessed by a doctor – to assign someone you trust to take care of the logistics. This includes getting a copy of the police report, collecting receipts from towers and mechanics, making copies of medical bills, and getting into contact with your insurance company. If you are this designated logistical actor, or were involved in an accident but were unharmed enough to navigate all of these things yourself, keep on reading.

Communicate with the Police

The police should always be called to the scene of an accident, even if it seems minor. When it comes to serious instances like accidents, especially if it occurs away from your home, it's important to make sure everything is documented as thoroughly as possible. Make sure you get the names and badge numbers of the officers who respond, as well as a report number – or instructions about how to obtain a copy of your accident report – before leaving the scene of the accident. Remain in constant communication with the police to obtain a copy of the report if you need it.

Take Photos

If it is safe to do so, thoroughly document the personal and property damage that happened as a direct result of the accident. Do not do this at the expense of your safety: if taking photos at the scene of the accident would put you or others at risk, do not do it. However, if you are cleared to do so safely by the first responders who come onto the scene, take photos and videos of the damage as soon as you can. This will not only be important for insurance purposes, but it will also be a crucial resource if you choose to pursue justice. Similarly, keep organized documentation of any medical visits, mechanic visits, towing, or other expenses you incur as a result of the accident. This includes time off work.

Talk to Your Insurance Provider

You'll want to get in touch with your car insurance as quickly as possible if there was damage to your vehicle. Keep records of all of the expenses you rack up in order to repair your car after the accident, including those that are and are not covered by insurance. The same is true for medical insurance: keep detailed records of any emergency care, doctor's visits, or physical therapy you receive as a result of your accident, including the costs that were covered by insurance and the amounts you paid out of pocket.

Talk to an Attorney

Every accident is different, and the best thing you can do once you get back home is talk to an attorney about your options. If you were not at fault in an option that injured you or a loved one or damaged your property, you have the right to pursue justice. The best thing you can do is bring all of the assets you've collected to a trustworthy and reliable attorney and look through it all together in order to determine the best course of action.

If you were involved in a car accident while traveling and are trying to navigate the difficult aftermath, remember that you don't have to do it alone. We're here to help you get through it with as much peace of mind as possible, and that starts with providing a free consultation with no strings attached. Just Just click here to schedule your consultation with David A. Papa.