After you have been involved in an accident, it is common practice to exchange information about your with the other involved drivers. You exchange insurance information with the presumption that the driver who is found at fault for the accident will end up providing compensation for the accident.

#1 Contact Your Insurance Company

First you want to call your insurance company and inform them of the vehicular mishap you were involved in. Once you let your insurance company know you were in an accident, they will have a claims representative call you. If you need a tow and you have roadside assistance, you can ask about getting a tow.

#2 Talk to a Claim Representative

Talking to the claim representative does not have to be the same phone call. You can talk to a claim representative when you are ready and able to.

When you talk to a claim representative, they are going to record your statement. The claim representative is going to ask you detailed questions. They are going to want to know as much about the accident as they can find out. They want all this information so they can determine who is at fault.

The claim representative will ask you for details, such as where your accident occurred, what time your accident occurred, what lead up to the accident, and anything else you can remember about the actual event of the accident.

Next, they are going to want to know if you needed medical care. If you did need medical care, they are going to ask about the care you were given. They may also ask you if are done getting medical treatment. Don't answer in the affirmative unless you know you are completely healed from the accident—remember the conversation is recorded.

Finally, they may ask about other expenses associated with the accident. Did you need a cab ride home? Did you have to rent a vehicle to drive? Did you have to pay for a tow truck? Did you have personal property that was damaged? Let the adjuster know about other expenses associated with the accident.

#3 Wait for a Determination of Fault

After you make a statement with your insurance company, your insurance company will investigate to determine which party bears responsibility for the accident and whose insurance company should have to pay for the damaged related to the accident. This usually includes damage to your vehicle and your medical bills. This process can take a while. If it is found that the other party is at fault, their insurance company will offer you a settlement.

#4 When to Call for a Lawyer

You can call a lawyer at any point in the above process. You can have a lawyer with you when you give your statement to the insurance company. You can ask your insurance company and the insurance company of the other driver to communicate with your lawyer. Your lawyer can write any counter-offers to any settlements you are offered. A lawyer can help you through the entire insurance process after a car accident and make sure you get the compensation you deserve.

For more information, reach out to law firms like St Martin & Bourque LLC.