Calls to Make after a Car Accident in Cleveland

Phone Calls to Make at the Scene of the Car Accident The most important phone call to make is to 9-1-1 if someone is seriously injured. A person’s medical condition is more important than anything else. So if there are signs of serious bleeding or other traumatic injuries, contact 9-1-1 right away. Explain that a car accident just took place and describe the injuries. Then follow the operator’s instructions. If 9-1-1 wasn’t necessary, call the police. This is important because in the state of Ohio, no matter the amount of damage to the vehicles or the type of accident, the State Highway Patrol must be notified of an accident. Explain the circumstances and again, follow the authorities’ instructions. If necessary, drivers can contact a private towing service to tow their vehicle to a garage for repairs or to another location. A police officer who responds to the crash may also be able to provide assistance in locating a towing company, particularly if the driver requires emergency medical care and is unable to do so. Phone Calls to Make after a Car Accident Once the accident scene has been cleared, the next phone call should be to the insurance company. Contact your own insurer to inform it of the accident. If the other driver was at fault, contact that insurer as well. This is important because you will need to file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company if you suffered injuries and/or property damage. When talking with an insurance adjuster, only share basic facts about what happened. There is likely going to be an investigation, so don’t risk damaging the claim. This isn’t the time to express what you believe happened. Keep things general, such as stating it was a rear-end collision or a T-bone crash. Your attorney can help you provide more detail later to establish the other driver’s negligence. Also, be careful about sharing too much information regarding injuries. Again, keep things general.  It’s okay to state you’re experiencing back pain or your leg was fractured. But refrain from getting into more than that. State that you plan on seeking medical attention or are receiving it, but nothing more. Finally, contact an attorney if the injuries were severe or disabling. There could be serious financial and physical repercussions that an insurance claim or lawsuit can address. Compensation may be available for:

• Current and future medical bills;
• Lost wages;
• Pain suffering;
• Permanent disability; and
• Mental anguish.

Ryan, LLP helps accident victims in the Cleveland area, so call us at 877-864-9495 to set up a consultation with a lawyer.   About the author of this article: Thomas Ryan