Car Accident First Steps
What to Do When You Have Been in a Car Accident in Delaware
Your first steps after an auto accident in Wilmington, Seaford, Newark or throughout the state
There are few things as nerve-wrecking as being involved in a car crash. It can be a scary experience that shakes you up and fills you with fear, especially if you were hurt and you don’t know the extent of your injuries. The actions that you take immediately following the accident and in the following days will have an impact on whether you will be successful in obtaining compensation for your injuries and property damage to your vehicle. You want to be careful not to do anything that might possibly jeopardize your auto accident case.
The Delaware car accident attorneys at Silverman, McDonald & Friedman understand how upsetting and frightening it can be to be involved in a car accident. If you sustain personal injuries, even minor ones, it just makes the whole situation that much more frustrating and inconvenient. At our offices in Wilmington, Newark and Seaford, we have guided countless clients through the steps they should take after an auto accident – and we can help you, too.
What to do after a car accident
Our attorneys want to assist you with your personal injury claim; however, there are some important first steps you should take to preserve the integrity of your lawsuit. In the midst of the chaos that ensues from a car accident it may be hard to remember all of these steps; however, even if you execute most of them it can significantly impact your lawsuit:
- Do not leave the scene of the accident – if you do you could be charged hit and run and face severe criminal penalties.
- Call for an ambulance if any driver or passenger is seriously injured.
- Call the police and make sure you get a copy of the accident report.
- Call your insurance company to report the accident, but do not admit fault or take responsibility.
- Exchange insurance information with the other driver, but do not speak with their insurance representative.
- If you do speak to any witnesses, write down what they say.
- Take photographs of the scene, your car, the other car and any injuries you and your passengers might have sustained.
Once you’re at home, start a file about the accident. Keep your hospital or medical records, X-rays, hospital or doctor bills and prescription receipts in there, as well as your accident report, your notes from the scene and copies of the pictures you took. Make sure you use an independent auto body shop for an estimate on repairing the damage. It’s likely your insurance company will send you to one of their evaluators, so it is a good idea to have more than one opinion.
The most important step of all is to call and schedule an appointment with Silverman, McDonald & Friedman to discuss your case with an experience Delaware auto accident attorney. We know that you’re scared, anxious and angry, and that you probably have what feels like a million questions. That’s why we keep our phones on for our clients at all times. When you need answers, we’re here to help.
Helping you take the first steps after a serious car crash in Delaware
Silverman, McDonald & Friedman fights to protect your legal rights. We help you file your personal injury claim following a car accident, and handle the insurance company on your behalf. Please call at 302-888-2900 or fill out our contact form to set up an initial consultation with a dedicated Delaware auto accident lawyer in one of our three office locations in Seaford, Newark or Wilmington.
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