My property was damaged in a car accident – what should I do?
When you are involved in a car crash, you can easily become overwhelmed by your emotions and reactions to the accident. If you have car damage and injuries because of the accident, it is likely that you have no idea what to do. Thankfully, there are people who can help you get through this difficult time.
At our law firm, we can answer the question, “My property was damaged in a car accident – what should I do?” Our experienced car accident attorneys can evaluate your situation and help protect your rights.
Document the Accident Scene
Call 911 and assess your own health and that of other people involved in the accident. This should be your first step after any crash.
It does not take long before an accident scene is completely different from what it was immediately following the crash. If you are able to take photos of the scene, this protective measure could be a huge help in the future. Photos could include:
- Skid marks
- Road conditions
- Details of the damage
- License plate numbers
If you do not have a phone to take photos of the property damage at the accident scene, you could still document it by writing notes of details that you notice, such as the time, location, and what you recall about the accident.
Property that was damaged in a car accident could be an important aspect of a personal injury claim in the future. Getting down as many details as possible directly after the accident could help your lawyer build a strong case in your favor.
Gather Information About People Involved in the Accident
If possible, exchange information with the other drivers involved in the car accident. Insurance companies and lawyers will need to know the names of the people involved, their contact information, driver’s license numbers, insurance company names, and license plate numbers.
If there are witnesses to the accident, you could also get their contact information.
When law enforcement arrives, it would be wise to take down the names of the officers who assisted you and their badge numbers, if you can get them.
Report the Car Accident to Your Insurance Company
Filing a claim with your insurance company is a key aspect of collecting money to cover your property damages in the car crash. It is possible to file a claim with your insurance company on your own, but hiring a lawyer is a wise choice. An experienced lawyer could help you better understand your legal rights and communicate with your insurance company on your behalf. Your lawyer can file the claim properly and accurately, which could make a big difference in the way your insurance company responds.
If your insurance company does not offer you the compensation you deserve, your lawyer could help you file a lawsuit to pursue the compensation you need to cover damages.
Schedule a Consultation to Talk About Property Damage from a Car Accident
Now that you know what to do if your property was damaged in a car accident, it is time to find a lawyer who can help your insurance claim process go smoothly.
Whetstone Perkins & Fulda serves all of South Carolina. We have the experience you can trust when you are dealing with a car accident. Set your mind at ease by scheduling a consultation with one of our car accident attorneys today.
