Car Accidents in Seattle, Bellevue, Tacoma, and throughout Washington – What to Do

Most people think they know what to do after an auto collision, but many forget how to react when they are actually involved in one. The rate at which car accidents occur increases every year in Seattle, Tacoma, Bellevue, and throughout state. These accidents are stressful and often frightening, making it a good idea to keep a written checklist in the car to help you remember what to do and what not to do in the event of an accident.

• Preparation for Car Accidents
• Safety at the Scene of a Car Accident
• Collection of Accident Information
• Communication with Insurance Carrier

Preparation for Car Accidents

It is a good idea to be prepared for a car accident before it ever happens. The glove compartment of any vehicle driven on the public roads should contain insurance information, a disposable camera, pen and paper, and a checklist of what to do when car accidents occur. Even close to home, drivers should have a list of emergency contacts and any important medical information on their person. It is also a good idea to carry a cell phone. Paid cell phone service is not required in an emergency; any cell phone that has a charged battery and can receive a signal can be used to call 911.

Other important items to keep in a vehicle include a first aid kit and a fire extinguisher that is labeled for automotive use. Make sure all regular drivers and passengers in the car know where all of these items are located and how to use them.

If you have any questions about becoming more prepared for car accidents, contact our Seattle, Bellevue, and Tacoma-area offices.

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Safety at the Scene of a Car Accident

The first and most important rule to remember when car accidents occur is: do not panic. Take a few deep breaths and check yourself and your passengers briefly for injury. If emergency medical attention is needed, call 911. If everyone is conscious and no one appears to have any serious injuries, assess the area outside the car. Before exiting the vehicle, be sure it is safe to do so. If it is possible, move the vehicles out of the roadway. Turn on hazard lights to warn other vehicles of car accidents and do not stand anywhere near moving lanes of traffic. Do your best to remain calm and try not to argue with the other drivers or passengers. Contact the police and wait for their arrival.

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Collection of Accident Information

After all car accidents, once the safety of all drivers and passengers has been assured, you must exchange important information with the other drivers. Be sure to get the name, address, phone number, driver's license number, license plate number, insurance company, and policy number from any other drivers involved. If a driver is not the owner of the car, get the same information about the owner as well. Write down a brief description of each car involved, including make, model, and year and note the exact location of the accident. A disposable camera kept in your glove compartment should be used to take photos of the accident scene and damage. When there are witnesses to car accidents, their names, addresses, and phone numbers should be recorded as well.

This information is extremely important. Be sure to collect it thoroughly and accurately. While you are interacting with the other drivers, be courteous and polite, but do not discuss the details of how the accident happened. Do not admit or attempt to assign fault. Wait for the police to arrive and let them determine what actually took place. Car accidents are common in the Seattle, Tacoma, and Bellevue areas, and the police are in the best position to make assessments.

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Communication with Insurance Carrier

After car accidents take place, drivers must notify their insurance carrier, even if when they are not at fault. Be sure to know the conditions of your policy because different insurance companies have different requirements regarding what to do after car accidents and how soon you must contact them. If the insurance company states that you must contact them from the scene of the accident, for example, and you call them from home the next day, they may refuse to honor your claim. When you talk to the insurance representative, report the facts of the accident, but do not answer any questions about how you are feeling or if you are okay. Some accident-related injuries can take time to become apparent and if you tell the insurance company early on that you feel fine, they may use that statement to avoid paying your claim.

Not all car accidents require a lawyer to be involved, but be aware that it is not in an insurance company's best interests to offer you a fair amount right away. They will almost always try to offer a lower-than-reasonable settlement in the hopes that it will not be disputed. If your injuries or property damage is significant, you will most likely need an attorney to help you get a fair amount from the insurance company.

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Contact Washington Lawyer Experienced in Car Accidents

When car accidents occur in Bellevue, Tacoma, Seattle, or elsewhere in Washington State, we are here to protect the victims and help them recover any losses. Contact Phillips & Webster today.

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