Even the least confusing no-fault insurance area state, Washington, D.C., a car accident might make you feel confused and lost and wondering what to do next. Even though the purpose of no-fault laws is to simplify the claims process, what you do the moment you experience a crash is still very crucial to your health, rights, and financial compensation. And when you don’t know where to start, you can start at the Marks & Harrison’s website where you will find a good first step to find the right kind of information and assistance from a car accident attorney. Being informed about the actions and steps brings you benefit to prevent unnecessary losses and achieve a better result.
Be Safety and Call 911
First, examine yourself and other people to see whether they have injuries. Call 911 even in case you think the accident is a minor one. Police will be called and will survey the situation and make an official police report. This documentation is important to your insurance claim even with a no-fault system.
Exchange Information
However, in a state that offers no-fault coverage, you are still obliged by law to provide contact and insurance details to the other driver. Collect:
- Contact no and full name
- Drivers license number
- Registration information of the vehicles
- Insurance company and insurance number
You will use this information to claim to the Personal Injury Protection (PIP).
Scene Documentation
Photograph in a clear way with your phone the following:
- Vehicle damage
- License plates
- Signs or traffic lights
- Road conditions
Any visible injuries should be treated as injuries. In addition, also get names and contact details of any eyewitnesses. These facts can assist in case your injuries are those that entitle you to move out of the no-fault system and take a liability claim.
Have Immediate Medical Attention
Car injuries could not be revealed immediately. It is why you ought to receive a medical assessment within 24 to 48 hours even though you feel good. This forms a medical record that links your injuries with the mishap, which is crucial in the process of pursuing your PIP claim. Delaying can also provide the insurance company with the basis to challenge the extent to which you were injured.
Report to your Insurance Company
In your no fault states you are required to file your injury claim under your insurance company irrespective of who caused the accident. Become insistent to reach them. Give the facts, and make no guesses or speculations as to fault or injury. Keep it simple: the date, place and participants. Have your lawyer deal with insurers at a more detailed level.
See a Car Accident Attorney
Insurance companies seek to find a way of reducing compensation despite the fact that no-fault systems are supposed to be simple. A skilled Washington, D.C. auto collision lawyer would be of assistance to you:
- See to it that you maximize your PIP benefits
- Process contested or refused claims
- Find out whether your injuries are substantial enough to file a lawsuit against the guilty driver
The absence of a fault system in Washington, D.C. doesn’t erase the necessity of smart and careful actions taken after the accident. Whether it’s getting medical attention or the one that takes down a picture of the scene as well as calling in an attorney, your first move will count towards your recovery, be it physical or financial.
