When we are the victim in a collision so many things happen very quickly and yet, so slowly at the same time. Making the right decisions early on, will help ensure that the insurance company will not take advantage you or the situation.
Immediately following the collision, you really need to take a breath. Taking deep cleansing breaths will help clear your mind and help you think more clearly. Right after impact, your body may go through a mild shock as you are trying to figure out what needs to happen next.
You should then call 911. Advise them that you have been involved in an injury accident. You will need to decide if you need an ambulance. In Kansas, your insurance should include Personal Injury Protection Benefits of at least $4,500.00 in no fault medical coverage.
Once you are done with 911. You will want to evaluate your surroundings to see if this is a safe environment to be stopped in and get out and evaluate the damage. If it is safe and you are physically able, you should get out of the vehicle to take pictures of your location, the position of the cars and damage to each of the individual cars.
Finally, you will want to speak with the other driver. Ensure they are okay. You will want to then collect information such as the make and model of the vehicle, license plate, and take pictures of the driver’s license and car insurance. You should also share the same.
After that you will want to wait for the emergency response team. The police officers will likely gather the same information you already have but it is important to get the report number from the officer and the information exchange form. You will then need to seek any emergency medical treatment.
Once you have been evaluated by the emergency medical team, you will want to contact your insurance company and set up a claim. You will want to submit all of the information that you have collected when you submit the claim.
You will likely be contacted by both your insurance company and the other driver’s insurance company. This is the point in time that I would advise you to contact a personal injury attorney. Remember, all calls with the insurance company are recorded and even in these early stages after the collision takes place, the focus of the insurance company is to determine who is at fault for the collision. Having representation will help cut down on confusing statements and direct the submissions toward recovery.
At Fields Law, we have years of experience in the area of personal injury. Contact our office after your collision.
