According to the National Highway Safety Administration, 5,250,837 motor vehicle accidents were reported in 2020, with over 2 million injured on U.S. roads. Accidents can occur at any place at any time, and damage can be costly. Compensation through legal action may help you curb your losses. Actions taken in the immediate aftermath of a car accident can positively change the trajectory of your insurance claim and recovery.

1. Ensure You Are Safe

Your safety is your first priority when involved in an accident. As soon as you are able, turn on the hazard lights and move the car to safety. If you don’t feel confident about driving, wait for the police. If you are injured, call 911, describe your injuries, and request emergency responders. If you are unharmed, slowly get out of the vehicle and check on the other drivers involved.

2. Call The Police

In Wisconsin, it is a legal requirement to report car accidents that cause damage or injury to the police. The investigating officer will make a report about the accident, which will help your attorney build your case with the insurance company. Get the officer’s name and report number and obtain a copy after the report has been filed.

3. Gather Necessary Information

As you wait for the police, compile the information about the other driver needed to file an insurance claim. This includes:

• Their name(s)
• Address
• License plate number
• Driver’s license number
• Insurance policy number

You will also need to record the date and time of the accident, where it happened, the direction you and the other driver were going, and the driving conditions.

4. Notify Your Insurance Company

Call your insurance company and file a claim as soon as possible. Include only the essential information about the accident. If you hear from the at-fault’s insurance company, it is recommended that you discuss only the damage to the vehicle and do not discuss your personal injury case until you have contacted an experienced attorney. At that point, he or she can take over communicating with the adverse insurance company.

5. Contact an Experienced Car Accident Attorney

In an effort to protect their bottom line, insurance companies may attempt to lowball you with an unfair settlement offer. For this reason, it is in your best interest to contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible in the aftermath of your accident. A top-rated Wisconsin personal injury attorney can help ensure that you receive the maximum compensation that you need to recover.