Crashing a new car can be mentally and emotionally overwhelming, especially if you’ve never experienced a car accident in the past. If you’re injured or someone you know is injured after crashing a new car, you’ll also need to know what to do to better prepare yourself for insurance claims and any legal matters you may face. Depending on who is at fault for the car crash you’ve been in, you’ll also need to seek legal counsel and guidance to ensure the best possible outcome in your favor.
1. Assess Your Surroundings
When it comes to crashing a new car for the first time, your head is likely to start spinning. You might feel flushed, overwhelmed, and stressed about what to do, causing you to freeze without the ability to take the necessary action. Assessing your surroundings is one of the most important elements of handling a car crash, regardless of the severity of the crash you were in, your location, and all who are involved.
If possible, assess the surroundings near you as quickly as possible before exiting your vehicle. Determine if you’re capable of moving and if you’ve been hurt to immediately call 911 or other medical authorities near you. It’s also imperative for you to assess other drivers and passengers who may have also been in the car crash to determine the severity of their injuries and whether they require further medical attention at the time.
Remain as calm, collected, and focused as possible after you’ve been in a car crash. Recognize that feeling shock and confusion is common while attempting to avoid hyperventilating or passing out, especially in severe or life-threatening incidents. Calling for help immediately is one way you can put your mind at ease, as you call other authorities and companies, such as the local police department and your insurance provider or agency.
2. Take Video and Photographic Evidence
After crashing a new car, you’ll want to take some time to gather as much video and photographic evidence as possible surrounding the scene of the accident or crime. Taking high-quality photos and videos of any type of car crash you’re involved in can go a long way once it’s time for you to file a claim with your insurance, especially if the accident was due to no fault of your own. If possible, take photos and videos not only of your own car but any other vehicle or structure that was also involved in the accident before you begin contacting your insurance company or agent directly.
If you’ve been seriously injured or disabled by a crash you were involved in, you can also consider asking someone you know to come to the scene of the incident to capture as many photos and videos as possible before the vehicles are towed and removed from the location. The more evidence you’re able to collect, the easier it’ll be for you to prove your side of the story when your case is presented in front of a jury or a judge, depending on the surrounding circumstances. You can often request additional footage from local businesses if they have active CCTV cameras in use at the time of your accident or collision, depending on your location at the time.
3. Contact Your Auto Insurance Company
Crashing a new car can feel world-ending, especially if you’ve spent a hefty amount of money on the new car or truck you’re driving. When you’ve crashed your new car, one of the most important phone calls you’ll want to make immediately is to your insurance company or provider. Speaking directly with your current insurance agent can help determine the best course of action to take if you’re thinking of filing a claim and seeking compensation for the damage and issues your car or truck has sustained during the collision.
Speaking with your insurance agent directly is also a way to learn more about your options based on the type of vehicle you’ve purchased, your current insurance plan, and the coverage and deductible included with the plan itself. The more informed you are of your current insurance policy and what it covers, the easier it’ll be for you to find mechanics, body shops, and replacement parts that are willing to work for you to help restore your vehicle. Your insurance agent will also inform you of additional paperwork and documentation you may need to submit to ensure your claim is accepted and that you receive the compensation you deserve in a timely manner.
4. Retain a Lawyer or Attorney
Anytime you’re actively involved in a car crash, retaining auto accident attorneys or visiting personal injury law offices in person for a consultation is a must. Retaining an attorney or entire law firm is a way for you to protect yourself legally while streamlining the process of seeking compensation, especially if you’ve been seriously injured or disabled as a result of a crash. Attorneys who specialize in car crashes and personal injury suits are well-versed in the law and understand which steps to take to ensure the best outcome for each of their individual clients.
After retaining a lawyer or attorney, you can present the evidence you’ve gathered to prove your case, from photographic and video evidence to local CCTV or homeowner footage captured by members of your community. Your attorney will not only work to protect your legal rights and abilities, but they can also act as your professional mediator or negotiator, depending on the circumstances that surround your accident. An attorney can also walk you through the process of filing insurance claims and seeking assistance with rental and replacement vehicles depending on the type of insurance you currently have.
5. Reference Existing Warranties You Have
Whether you’ve chosen to retain a DUI attorney or a personal injury lawyer to help navigate your legal case after being involved in a car crash, you’ll want to reference any existing warranties you might have for the car or truck you own. From visiting local Kawasaki dealerships to calling your official and original manufacturer or dealership directly, there are a few different methods to go about discovering if you still have an active warranty for your car, especially when it’s new and was just recently purchased. If you have an existing warranty, it’s likely to be much easier to file a claim and seek the compensation, repairs, and replacements you require to get back out on the road without an issue.
6. Contact Your Original Dealership Directly
If your vehicle requires an inspection, new tires, AC services, or even internal components after a crash, you’ll also want to take some time to contact your original dealership directly. Working with your dealership directly is a way for you to review warranties and guarantees that may be in effect, based on the time you purchased your vehicle and its make and model. When you attempt to work directly with your dealership with the assistance of a lawyer, you can guarantee you’re receiving the best care and top-notch manufactured parts as necessary.
You can find the contact information for your specific dealership by referencing your vehicle’s sales papers and any contractual agreements you’ve signed with the dealership itself. Locating contact information for a car dealership is also possible online with the use of search engines and social media.
7. File Your Insurance Claim
After crashing a new car, you’ll need to file an insurance claim as quickly as possible to avoid being held liable or responsible for the repairs, replacements, and even any towing services you may require at the time. Before you begin working with DUI attorneys or personal injury lawyers, calling your insurance company directly to report an accident and file an official claim is always advisable. Keeping in touch with your insurance agent and your preferred attorney’s office is always best when you’re searching for the best outcome possible after crashing a new car.
If you prefer to speak with an attorney before filing a claim, you can also do so to ensure you’re following the proper procedures and protocols required to do so when you’re attempting to file on your own. Speaking with your retained lawyer is also a way to determine if having them negotiate and speak on your behalf is best, depending on the circumstances that surround your accident case and who is at fault for the accident itself. Having both an insurance agent and lawyer to turn to after an accident can help significantly in ensuring a positive outcome in any instance.
8. Conduct Repairs on Your Vehicle
After a car accident occurs, and you’ve contacted the appropriate agencies and legal teams, you’ll need to conduct the necessary repairs on your vehicle to get it back up and running again. To do so, you’ll want to find a reputable auto body repair shop that is licensed, insured, and certified. Whether you need to work with specialty transmission mechanics or you’re interested in finding a full body shop, you can do so with referrals from those you know, your legal team, or by researching the options near you from home, online.
Compare local body shops and mechanics online by checking portfolios, reviews, and verifiable testimonials from local customers. You can review photos of completed work on cars to determine if a local shop is right for you. Check business ratings with the BBB and other accredited organizations relevant to mechanics shops in your state before making a choice that you feel comfortable with and confident in.
9. Seek a Rental While Awaiting Your Car’s Repairs or Replacement
While you’re awaiting an AC repair service or body detailing on a car that’s been damaged or totaled in an accident, you’ll want to find a replacement rental vehicle for the time being. In cases where your insurance is valid, you may qualify for a rental replacement vehicle at no additional cost to you. To determine if you qualify for a rental vehicle, take a bit of time to call your insurance provider directly to speak with an agent about your options.
You can also compare rental options by visiting your official dealership directly after you’ve successfully reported your accident to the police and filed a claim with your official insurance company. Reviewing the rental cars available ahead of time can help you determine which vehicle is right for you based on your specific needs. In some cases, you may have the option to choose between multiple rental cars, if you have insurance that provides that option.
10. Protect Yourself From Future Potential Accidents
Creating wills and trusts is another way to go about protecting yourself from future accidents, injuries, or even lifelong disabilities. After you’ve been involved in a serious or life-threatening accident, you’ll quickly realize just how important it is to get your finances and trusts or wills in order, even if you don’t have a major portfolio or investments to your name. With the right trust and will, you can sleep better at night knowing that your future is in the hands of those who care about you and love you.
You can also use a will or a trust to determine how you will be cared for specifically, especially if you’re no longer capable of caring for yourself on your own. Working with a trust and estate lawyer is always best if you’re determined to protect yourself as best as possible from potential accidents in the future. When you’re working with the right estate lawyer, it’s also much easier to navigate the process of dividing up assets and making sure those who mean the most to you are taken care of well beyond your passing.
While crashing a new car can be overwhelmingly devastating, it’s possible to navigate the incident with the right help and legal assistance by your side. Whether you require minimal repairs to your vehicle or your vehicle has been totaled, and you’ve been injured, you’ll want the right attorney or legal team to counsel you as you determine the best course of action to take. Even after crashing a new car, there is still hope for the right legal representation and assistance to repair your vehicle and seek the therapy or medical treatment you require to resume life as normal.
