It is critical for all drivers in the local area to put safety at the top of their priority list when they get behind the wheel of a car. Sadly, even if someone does everything correctly, a car accident can happen at any time. There are a lot of emotions that go through people’s minds in the immediate aftermath of a car accident, but it is important for them to think carefully about the most important steps they need to take.

First, no matter how minor the car accident may seem, it is important for people to call 911 and ask for the authorities to come to the scene of the accident. Individuals should remain at the scene of the accident until police officers tell them it is okay to leave, and everybody should get a copy of the accident report before leaving. If there is no accident report, it would be like the collision never even happened.

Drivers are required to carry a minimum level of car insurance to operate a motor vehicle. If they are blamed for the accident, their insurance policy will be responsible for covering the cost of property damage and any medical expenses. On the other hand, there are some situations where the insurance policy may not have enough coverage to pay for all property damage and medical bills. In this case, drivers may need to file a personal injury lawsuit. In Washington state, individuals have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Insurance companies do not necessarily have a statute of limitations, but drivers will have more success if they file an insurance claim as quickly as possible.

Because there are a lot of moving parts following a motor vehicle collision, it is critical for drivers to reach out to a personal injury lawyer as quickly as possible. Drivers should focus all of their attention on their medical recovery, but these legal issues are also important. Drivers will also have a better opportunity for a favorable settlement if they allow a car accident lawyer to negotiate on their behalf. For these reasons, it is important for drivers to not only seek medical care but also contact an auto accident attorney as quickly as possible.