If you are involved in a car accident, the decisions you make in the minutes and hours that follow can have a major impact on the outcome of your case. The following tips will help you to stay safe and protect your rights. At The Keating Firm LTD., you can have a consultation about pursuing a claim when it comes to the personal accident side of a car crash. There can, for instance, be a claim to be made for anything from whiplash to broken bones or internal injuries.
More can happen in a crash than simply vehicle damage, making it all the more important to establish who was at fault and for the guilty party to compensate the innocent one. This will very often be through their insurance company, which will be an organization that has lawyers strongly fighting their case. This is what you can be up against as a claimant, and the reason to have a specialist lawyer on board.
Move to a safe location
If you are able, move your car to the side of the road. If you cannot move your car, turn on your hazard lights. Once you are in a safe location, check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately.
Call the police
Even if the accident is minor, it is always a good idea to call the police. The police will create a report which can be used as evidence in your case.
Seek medical help
Accidents can leave you gravely hurt, but even if you do not sustain life-threatening injuries, you’d want to seek medical attention. What is seemingly a small scratch or bruise can, in actuality, be potentially dangerous in the long run. And depending on the level of injury, you might need to avail respite care or disability services till you’re back on your feet. You can check out this clear and detailed NDIS Service provider in Sydney if that’s where you live to get a brief idea of the type of services that can be useful when you’re involved in an accident.
Do not leave the scene
It is a crime in most states to leave the scene of an accident, even if it was not your fault. If you leave, you could be charged with hit and run.
Exchange information with the other driver
Get the name, address, phone number, and insurance information from the other driver. Do not discuss who is at fault for the accident. That discussion should take place between your Detroit personal injury attorney (if that is where you’re from) and theirs.
Witness information
If there are any witnesses to the accident, obtain their names and contact information. Even if you don’t get their address or complete information it’s fine, as you can find ways to trace them later (Visit the website to learn more about tracing) and ask them to give a statement. Witness testimonies can be crucial to your case.
Take pictures
If you have a camera phone, take pictures of the accident scene and the damage to both cars. These pictures can be used as evidence in your case. Also, make sure that you hang on to the dashcam footage if you have this. As well, ask the witnesses if they have any photographic evidence that could help you prove fault, as well as them providing witness statements. First-hand accounts are invaluable when looking to prove blame. Lawyers are grateful for this kind of evidence because it can swing a case in their client’s favour.
Call your insurance company
You should notify your insurance company of the accident as soon as possible. Do not give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company. They will use anything you say against you.
Hire an experienced car accident lawyer
An experienced car accident lawyer in San Diego, or wherever it is you’re located, will know how to collect and preserve evidence, how to negotiate with insurance companies, and how to take your case to trial if necessary.
Conclusion
Now that you know what to do after a car accident, it’s important to remember that evidence is key. Be sure to take pictures of the scene, both vehicles, road conditions, and any injuries you may have sustained. If there are witnesses, get their contact information, and if possible, record what they saw. Gather all the evidence you can so that when it comes time to file a claim, you have everything you need. Remember: don’t wait too long to file a claim – most states have statutes of limitations for car accidents. Contact an experienced car accident lawyer as soon as possible so they can help guide you through the process and make sure your rights are properly protected.