Car accidents are common, but when you are involved in one, you may not know exactly what to do next. In the confusion after an accident, it is easy to make mistakes that could affect the amount of a claim you file later. Even a fender bender can cause significant headaches in the form of property damage and a potentially lengthy claims process. If you have been involved in a car accident and are thinking of handling it on your own, keep reading to learn more about what you should do after an accident, and why a seasoned South Dakota attorney can help you.

What to Do Right After an Accident Occurs

While you are still at the scene of the accident, it is important to gather as much information as you can, so be sure to take the following steps:

  • Call the police. Even if no one seems to be hurt, or if the property damage is minimal, contact the police so a police report can be made documenting the circumstances of the accident.
  • Exchange car insurance information with the other driver. Keep other conversation with the driver to a minimum, though. It is not a good idea to discuss who was at fault, or admit to the other driver that you were to blame. You should also not discuss injuries or tell the other driver that you are fine, even if you think you are, as some injuries may take time to become apparent.
  • Take photos and talk to any witnesses. Take photos of your car and the other cars involved, including license plates. Take photographs of your surroundings and any other damaged property. If anyone saw the accident, get their contact information.

You can provide the information that you obtained to your insurance company, but it is never too early to think about involving an attorney. A car accident attorney who has experience dealing with insurance companies can help streamline the claims process and give you one less thing to worry about after your accident.

What to Ask for in a Car Accident Settlement

The amount and type of compensation you receive after a car accident depends on several factors, including who is liable for the accident. The at-fault driver is responsible for paying for all the damage caused by the accident, including damage to your vehicle and medical costs for any injuries you suffer. However, some of the losses that you suffer following an accident may not come with receipts, and you may find it difficult to express your needs to an insurance company. An experienced lawyer can help you determine if you are entitled to compensation for:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Lost opportunity to enjoy life

If you were at fault for the accident, you may still be able to receive compensation for property damage if your insurance policy includes collision coverage. With collision coverage, your policy will typically pay for the repair costs to your vehicle minus your deductible, regardless of who caused the accident. If the cost of repair would exceed the value of your car before the accident–in other words, if your car is “totaled”–the insurance company may pay you the fair market value of your car before the accident. An experienced attorney will know if your insurance company is offering you a fair amount of compensation based on the details of the accident and the terms of your policy.

Do I Need to Tell My Insurance Company about a Minor Accident?

You might be considering not telling your insurance company about an accident, especially if you were the only person involved or property damage was minimal. However, withholding such information could lead to serious consequences. If the police were involved, the accident is a matter of public record: when your company learns of the accident, they may construe your omission as misinformation and terminate your coverage. You may find it difficult to obtain insurance with another provider, and even if you do, it will probably cost you significantly more. If you cannot decide how best to handle the accident, do not risk making a costly mistake: discuss your options with an attorney.

Obtain the Legal Assistance You Need

People are sometimes surprised by the complications that can ensue following a car accident, even a minor one. You may quickly reach a settlement for an accident that was not your fault, only to discover afterwards that your injuries were more serious than you thought. The other party’s insurance company may claim that you were at fault to avoid payment. Or you may simply be overwhelmed by the amount of time you have to spend talking to insurance companies, submitting paperwork, and justifying your account of the accident in order to receive compensation. You may contact an attorney at any time after a car accident, but the sooner you do so, the more likely you are to receive the best possible outcome.

Contact

If you have recently been in a car accident, it is never too early or too late to speak to an attorney. The South Dakota car accident lawyers at Turbak Law Office, P.C. are available at 605-886-8361. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Results
$11,000,000 Settlement Car Accident
$4,007,015.24 Settlement Semi Truck Collisions
$3,450,000 Settlement Motorcycle Accidents
$2,500,000 Settlement Wrongful Death
$2,500,000 Settlement Wrongful Death
Client Testimonials
a beacon of excellence in the legal field

3 years ago I found myself in the unfortunate position of being involved in a car accident. Amidst the chaos and stress, Turbak Law Office became my guiding light, and I am beyond grateful for their exceptional support and dedication throughout the entire process.

From the moment I reached out to Turbak Law Office, their team displayed a level of professionalism and empathy that immediately put me at ease. They listened attentively to my concerns, thoroughly explained the legal proceedings, and outlined a strategy that gave me confidence in the path forward.

What truly sets Turbak Law Office apart is their unwavering commitment to their clients. Throughout the entire duration of my case, they were proactive in keeping me informed, consistently updating me on any developments, and promptly addressing any questions or concerns I had along the way. Their communication was clear, concise, and always delivered with a genuine concern for my well-being.

I cannot recommend Turbak Law Office highly enough. Their dedication, professionalism, and genuine care for their clients make them stand out as a beacon of excellence in the legal field. If you find yourself in need of legal representation, look no further than Turbak Law Office – they are truly the best in the business. Thank you, Dillon Martinez, Seamus Turbak, and the entire Turbak team, for all that you have done for me and my family.

Carlito E.
You guys are amazing!

There determination and hardwork helped us settle a claim that I thought was going to be impossible. I was told that Turbak is the best and everyone is right! So thankful for their expertise! You guys are amazing!

Jessie B.
Great people, great service!!

Great people, great service!! Always answered any questions right away! Dillon was also an amazing, helpful, kind person. He always had a smile on his face and took a lot of stress off my shoulders. Not once did I leave there feeling unsatisfied! 10/10 🙂

Quinn L.
exceedingly efficient and effective

I cannot thank Turbak Law enough for the time and effort they put in to bring closure to one of the most difficult times I have ever had to deal with. They were exceedingly efficient and effective in bringing a positive result and were able and willing to work around my schedule. Thank you to Seamus and Erika for all the work and support through all.

Tanya H.