When a car accident happens there are many confused emotions. You might feel anger and difficulty gather your thoughts over what just happened. This is also fueled by the adrenaline pumping through your body. It’s natural after a car crash. When emotions settle down a bit, there is the thoughts of who was at fault and if you need a car accident lawyer. Nobody will want to claim to be at fault which is why you need to ask these car accident insurance questions. Beyond automotive repair, there may be physical trauma in which case, the authorities, and medical personnel need to be called.
Immediately After an Accident Happens
When an accident happens, most people are in a state of shock. They will remember to exchange information and call authorities. Some remember to take photos, but most don’t remember to take statements of any witnesses. A dash camera is a help but then there are the other details that need to be taken care of. There are car accident insurance questions that will need to be answered. If the vehicles are totaled, a car hauler will be needed. Bystanders will stop to ensure that everyone is okay. It’s important to make sure that you get a statement from them before they leave.
Drivers are Often Responsible for Witness Statements
Before you contact a law firm, it’s important to gather as much information as possible about the scene and what happened. There will be car accident insurance questions to be answered. Witness statements help authorities determine what actually happened.
If You Suspect that A Person was Under the Influence
This can be a difficult situation that needs to be handled by the authorities. In which case, you will also need a DWI attorney. If you were the one under the influence of drugs or alcohol, an experienced attorney will be able to help you through the process. Car accident insurance questions will need to be answered.
After the Accident
Probably, the first step after an accident is to call an accident attorney. They will ask you many car accident insurance questions that may help you to resolve the issues with your vehicle.
Before You Head to An Auto Body Shop
There are many car accident insurance questions that will need to be answered. Witnesses need to be interviewed and these are the most important questions to ask. Asking car accident insurance questions can make the recovery of your vehicle faster with an auto collision shop and paint protection.
So, What Questions Do You Need to Ask After an Accident?
When you have an auto accident, there will be car accident insurance questions that you need to ask any witnesses who saw the event. This is a list of things that you should consider.
Ask When They Saw the Accident
This can be tricky because some people may actually see the car crash happen while others may just wander by moments after it happens. Even if they didn’t actually see the crash, a witness can still give important details. For example, they may hear the drivers talking and note some of the details even though they didn’t actually see the crash. While you may have car accident insurance questions, some people will not have been there soon enough to effectively contribute to your case. Their stories can cause conflict with the police and the insurance company.
Where Were the Witnesses When the Accident Occurred?
It’s important to understand where witnesses were when they saw the crash. Were they across the street? Did they hear the crash from their workplace and come out to help? These questions can make a real difference if the case goes to court. The lawyer for the other person involved in the wreck can easily argue that the witness was too far away to provide valuable information.
Examples of Different Viewpoints of Witnesses
If a driver is in the next lane when the accident occurs, they can turn and see the crash as it happens but they may not have the best view. If a driver is behind you and witnesses the wreck, they may have a better view of what actually happened.
There Will Be Questions About Who Was There When the Accident Occurred
Both drivers and all witnesses will be asked if they were with other people. In both cases, it could mean that they were distracted and didn’t see what was happening clearly. The other side of the coin is that it could mean that the other person may have seen the accident and have more information to provide.
Police and Insurance Personnel will Also Ask What You Saw and Heard
You and any witnesses will be asked this question because it can provide some details that you may not have thought of. It also increases the credibility of any testimony that is given. This can include questions such as:
- Was anyone speeding?
- What lanes were the vehicles in?
- Was there screeching of the brakes?
- Was one of the drivers driving erratically?
- Did anyone fail to yield, or stop at stop signs or red lights? Did someone make an illegal U-turn?
Did Anyone Have a Clear View of the Vehicle Crash?
Following an accident, both you and the other driver will be upset. This leaves witnesses who may have had a clear view of the accident. It’s important to have someone talk with any witnesses as soon as possible. It can be argued that their view of the accident was obstructed but they can still sometimes offer valuable details that you may not have noticed.
How Far Apart Were the Vehicles Before the Accident?
This may seem like a hard question to answer but sometimes a witness and even the drivers who were involved in the wreck can provide important insight as to what happened. While no one is expected to give precise measurements, even a general position of the vehicles can be helpful.
What Were the Weather Conditions?
Rain, snow, and sleet can create unsafe driving conditions particularly if one of the drivers is speeding. Statements from the drivers and any witnesses can help authorities determine if bad road conditions were the cause of the accident. Slick surfaces can cause vehicles to slide uncontrollably, particularly if the vehicle or vehicles were traveling too fast.
Witnesses May Be Asked Where They Were Going When the Accident Occurred
This may seem like an odd question but the focus is to determine whether the witness could have been distracted and not have really seen what they thought. Consider this, if you are going on an errand, you are thinking about what you need to do and what you need to get. An attorney can claim that the witness was not clear minded when they saw the accident happen. This can weaken the case.
Does Anyone Know the Persons Involved in the Accident?
The authorities will ask this question of the drivers involved in the accident, as well as any witnesses. This can be a conflict of interest but not always so. Knowing one of the people involved in the wreck does not necessarily diminish their testimony. It’s just something that the authorities and courts will take into consideration.
Was Either of the Drivers Texting, Speeding, or Swerving?
Distracted driving is the cause of many accidents. Studies show that one in four accidents is caused because one or both drivers were distracted by cellphones, music, people, or any of many other things going on in the vehicle. Witnesses may notice this if they see the wreck. Lack of control of the vehicle or swerving can be evidence of distracted driving, a medical emergency, or driving while under the influence. That’s why witness statements are so important to the authorities when determining the cause of the accident.
Getting Witness Statements with the Police
If a witness is willing to give their statement to the police, it can be invaluable if the case goes to trial. It is even helpful if the insurance companies begin negotiations. While some witnesses may be willing to give a statement, they may not be able or willing to appear in court. That’s why it’s important to get their statement and contact information as soon as possible.
Ask Witnesses and Drivers What They Did Following the Wreck
This is also common because car accidents shake people up. They may not be able to immediately remember details and need a moment to calm down. When they are able to give a statement, this lets authorities know more of the details of what actually occurred. If the case goes to court, it will also help the judge understand the validity of the statement the individual has given.
Are There Any Other Witnesses?
If a witness arrives just as the accident happens, they may be able to identify others who were passing by that also saw the wreck. They may have a better view or seen something that others did not. It’s worth asking because the more eyewitness testimony there is, the better the case will be as to what really happened.
Did You or Anyone Involved in the Accident Receive Medical Attention?
If you or anyone else involved in the accident received medical attention, insurance companies will want to know about it. This information is used to help determine the extent of the damages and injuries sustained in the accident. Be prepared to provide the names and contact information of any medical professionals you saw, as well as any hospital or clinic you visited.
Have You Reported the Accident to the Police?
Insurance companies will want to know if you’ve reported the accident to the police. If so, they’ll want a copy of the police report, which can provide valuable information about the accident. The officer’s report will provide detailed information about the accident, any witness statements, and a diagram of the accident scene. This is all important information when it comes to getting your vehicle repaired, medical bills paid, and if the case goes to court.
Have You Had Any Previous Accidents or Traffic Violations?
Insurance companies and authorities will also want to know about your driving history, including any previous accidents or traffic violations. It’s important to be truthful about your driving history, as this information can impact the outcome of your claim.
How Much Damage was Done to Your Vehicle?
Your insurance provider will need to know the full extent of the damage to your vehicle. They will also need to know what damage was done to the other person’s vehicle. Photos of the accident scene can be very helpful to document the accident. If you or someone you know remembers to take some, share them with the insurance company.
Do You Have a Lawyer?
If you’ve hired a car accident lawyer or law firm to represent you, insurance companies will want to know. They’ll also want to know the name and contact information of your legal representation. If you haven’t hired an attorney, the insurance company may provide one for you.
Have You Made a Claim with Your Insurance Company?
After an accident occurs and you’ve finished talking with the police and medical personnel, you need to contact your insurance provider. Let them know what happened so that you can get the claim process started. They’ll want to know the details of your claim, including the amount you’re claiming and the reason for the claim. The insurance company will send an adjuster to assess the damage.
Has the Other Party’s Insurance Company Offered a Settlement?
If you’ve received a settlement offer from the other party’s insurance company, your insurance company will want to know about it. They’ll also want to know the details of the offer, including the amount and any conditions attached to the offer.
Vehicle accidents can cause significant damage to cars and the people who are driving them. While this may seem like a look of questions that you may be asked following an accident, they are some of the most common ones. Drive safely and hopefully, you’ll never have to experience an accident.
