Information and Insight for Injured Iowans

           An unexpected car accident can lead to a frantic situation. Numerous thoughts may sprint through your mind. Was it my fault? Should I report this to the police? Does my insurance company need to know? To assist car accident victims, we created a guide for those who are involved in a car accident. The following points are key steps you should take after an accident:

• First, seek medical attention. It is better to seek medical treatment even if you are unsure whether you were injured or not. Often times, injuries from car accidents go unnoticed for hours or even days.
• Call your insurance company even if you are not near your home. Ask your insurance agent which forms or documents you need to fill out. If you do not report your accident to your insurance company after a certain amount of time, you may lose protection from your insurance company.
• Write down everything you remember from the scene including a drawing of the scene, the time of day, weather conditions, road conditions, what you saw, and what you heard.
• Arrange for photos to be taken. Take photos even if the investigating officer and insurance company already took photos. Take photos of the accident, your vehicle, your injuries, and your medical treatment.
• Get permission before having your vehicle repaired. Your insurance company may not cover your bills if you fail to clear the maintenance with them. Also, if anyone was seriously injured or killed in the accident, talk to an attorney before you have your vehicle repaired.
• Avoid contact with the other driver’s insurance company. Ask the insurance company to send you everything in writing. If you have questions about documents that you are being asked to sign, talk to an attorney.
• Consult an attorney before you pay a traffic fine or ticket. Paying a fine or ticket may be used against you as an admission of guilt.
• If you suffer car-accident related injuries, settle your claim or file a lawsuit within two years of the date of the car accident. Iowa law requires lawsuits to be filed within a short period of time after the accident. If you need assistance filing documents, contact an attorney to assist you with the process.

To learn more about safe and smart ways of protecting yourself after a car crash, call 1-800-IOWA-JUSTICE (toll free) to receive a free copy of “8 Simple Steps to Protecting Yourself After a Car Accident in Iowa.”