Car accidents are incredibly common in the Washington area and these accidents don’t always result in physical injuries. Even if you have been in a car accident without injuries, it is still possible for you to get no injury car accident compensation to help you recover after the fact. To set yourself up for the best chance at getting a settlement for a no injuries car accident, there are certain steps you need to take.
At NBF Accident Law, our Washington auto accident attorneys can help you navigate the process of filing a car accident claim when there are no physical injuries. We will help you better understand your legal options and advocate on your behalf when negotiating with the other involved parties.
Assess the Situation
The first thing you need to do after a car accident without injuries is assess the situation and see how much damage has been done. Try to stay calm and distant from the situation so that you are able to make clear decisions without becoming overly emotional. Directly after the accident, make sure you check yourself and any passengers to ensure that there are truly no injuries that need to be checked out.
This is also an excellent time to assess how much damage was done to your vehicle and whether or not it is in a safe location. In most roadway vehicle accidents, it is best to drive your car to a nearby area where it will not be in the way of other vehicles. Make sure you turn on your hazard lights and, ideally, drive to a nearby parking lot or a shoulder of the road.
It is a good idea to notify the other driver of what you are doing so that they do not assume you are trying to leave the scene of the collision.
Call 911
Calling 911 is a crucial step after any kind of car accident as the 911 operator will send over law enforcement and an ambulance if necessary. The police will file a police accident report, creating their own investigation where they will document important evidence, which can be useful later on when you are filing a car accident claim.
When medical attention does arrive, you should still get checked out, even if you do not believe you are injured. Some of the most severe car accident injuries are not visible and may not show any side effects until much later on, so it is always better to exercise caution.
Exchange Contact Information
No matter how minimal or severe a car accident without injuries is, you always need to take the necessary step of exchanging information with the other driver. You should provide them with your contact information as well as information regarding your insurance company.
Emotions can run high after a car accident, but it is vital that you remain calm and cordial when talking with the other driver. Keep communication minimal to avoid saying anything that could be used against you later on, such as accidentally admitting fault. If the other driver is argumentative or aggressive, it may be best to wait until law enforcement arrives and you can get the driver’s contact information from them.
If there were any witnesses at the scene of the collision, you should also try to get their contact information, which can be used later on to get witness testimonies.
Document Evidence
Some of the most vital pieces of evidence after a no injury car accident are only available directly after the accident has occurred. This is one of the benefits of not being injured since you will have the ability to do a bit of investigating so that no important evidence is lost.
Take several photos of your vehicle from close-up and far away, thoroughly documenting any new damage. You could also take pictures of the scene of the accident, documenting essential areas such as intersections, traffic lights, or stop signs.
Notify Your Insurance Carrier
Most insurance companies have a deadline that you must follow when notifying them of any kind of auto accident. It is best to report the accident to your insurance provider as soon as possible to start the claims process, as the insurance company will want to do its own investigation. Be as detailed and straightforward as possible about the details of the accident and keep records of all communication with the insurance company.
If the insurance company offers you any kind of settlement when you report the accident, do not agree to it. You should never agree to anything or sign anything before consulting with an expert attorney, as the insurance company may be trying to lowball you.
Hire an Attorney For Car Accidents Without Injury
As soon as you can, you will want to take the additional step of hiring an auto accident lawyer for no injury car accidents. Getting compensation for car accidents without injuries can be a little more complex since you aren’t filing a personal injury claim. An experienced car accident lawyer for no injury accidents will understand what your legal options are and can help you find the best option for your situation.
A car accident lawyer will also act as your advocate and representative, handling communication with other involved parties, especially the insurance companies. This helps to protect you from making mistakes that could result in a lesser settlement amount.
Contact an Auto Accident Attorney at NBF Accident Law
If you were the victim of a car accident without injuries, you may still qualify to get a settlement. Even if you do not have any physical injuries after the accident, you may have property damage that you now need to cover. Understanding what your legal options are and how to navigate this kind of situation will be crucial when getting the compensation that you deserve.
At NBF Accident Law, our lawyers for car accidents without injury will work tirelessly to help you receive the settlement you deserve after a car accident in Washington. We can help you file an accident claim, document evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies.
Contact us today at 206-923-8888 to schedule a consultation with one of our car accident attorneys in the Washington area.
