If you’ve never been in a car accident, it can be overwhelming to think of what steps should be taken afterward, especially if you are the passenger who was injured because of the accident.
Most of us have a general idea that if you are involved in an accident where the other person is at fault, you are entitled compensation through their insurance or yours (more on that later) for both bodily and property injuries.
However, few of us know the proper steps to take immediately after an accident, and even fewer of us are aware of how critical the actions you take directly following an auto accident can impact your ability to collect compensation for your injuries.
Continue reading to learn more about how to protect yourself if you are injured in Springfield, MO.
What To Do Right After An Accident
Whether you’re the driver or the passenger in an auto accident, the following steps must be taken to ensure that you are entitled to any compensation for injury from the accident:
- Call 911
- Speak to the police
- Get a copy of the police report
- Get eyewitness information
- Take pictures of the accident scene
- Seek medical attention, even if you believe you are uninjured. Often a car accident will leave people in shock; with that shock comes adrenaline, which can inhibit our ability to feel the full extent of pain or injury we may be experiencing.
Next, as a passenger, you will need to file an insurance claim. You have a few different options to choose from as the passenger, which can be helpful but can also make the process more difficult. Before filing a claim, discuss your options with the accident injury attorneys in Springfield, MO, Missouri Legal. We can help you decide which type(s) of insurance claim will be the most beneficial for you.
Filing Insurance Claims: What Your Options Are As a Passenger
Filing a Claim Against The Other Driver
Usually, following an accident, the passenger involved will first file a claim against the other driver. When you file against the other driver or the driver of the vehicle that you were in, this is called a third-party injury claim.
Almost every state requires that drivers have some form of car insurance to protect themselves and others in these types of instances. However, it can become an incredibly drawn-out process, if the “fault” is not apparent or if the other driver doesn’t have insurance or their coverage has been exhausted. In this case, you may consider filing a claim against the other or your driver.
Filing a Claim with Your Car’s Driver’s Insurance
This is generally the least favorite option since it means that you may be filing against a family or friend’s insurance. What is important to remember is that you are not trying to get money from that person but through their insurance. Still, many people avoid this option even though it is more straightforward and quicker than filing a claim against another driver.
Filing a Claim Through Your Insurance
Another choice you have if you’ve been injured in Springfield, MO, is to file through your insurance. This is especially helpful if either of the drivers doesn’t have insurance or their coverage has been exhausted/doesn’t completely cover all of your medical expenses.
Get Help Today
As Springfield injury lawyers, Missouri Legal understands how daunting it can seem to follow the proper legal steps to get the compensation you are owed in an accident. Whether you’re the passenger or driver, we can provide legal aid to help you get the full amount of compensation you are owed in relation to the accident. Call us today for help getting back on your feet.