A car accident with injuries can be a horrendous experience, and the injuries you suffer could hurt you physically and financially. When filing a car accident injury claim, one of the most vital steps to take is finding a knowledgeable and diligent Best Accident Attorney to guide you during the case.
Whether you have been injured during a car accident or at work, there are a million things to deal with, from handling the insurance claim to paying for medical bills and missing work. If you are not well-skilled in handling accidents or if you misspeak when talking to an insurance adjuster, you may not get the compensation you deserve. The sooner you reach out to a lawyer, the better the chance you will get the maximum damages for your claim. Most people say they know what to do after a car accident, but when it happens they are at a loss. As soon as possible, you need to take the following steps after the accident:
- Stop
If you get in a car collision, stop. Leaving the scene of a crash, even a minor one, without first stopping to take a look at whether there are damages or injuries is a crime in most states. Leaving the scene of a car accident could be prosecuted. Even if you are not injured, you could be a crucial witness.
- Check For Injuries
You should not move an injured person unless there is an imminent danger of further injury. If you are injured, do not move. If necessary, have someone call 911. If you are unable to decide, make sure that somebody else makes the call to 911, as they are going to make sure the police and emergency personnel respond to the scene.
- Exchange Information
If you are a witness, give your name and documents to the police. They will provide it to proper insurance companies. If you are involved in the accident, you and the other driver(s) need to exchange names, addresses, phone numbers, driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, insurance carriers, policy numbers, and your insurance agent’s name and contact numbers. Get identifying information from any witnesses to the accident, and ask them to give exact details to the police.
- Take Notes
Retain in your mind where and how the accident occurred, what the road and weather conditions were, and the approximate speeds of the cars. Also check if there was a stop sign or a caution sign, what the current lighting conditions were (time of day, were street lights on, etc.), and what the vehicles were doing when the accident happened. You will need to share these notes with the other party if you enter into court proceedings.
- Never Take The Blame
Regardless of who is guilty, do not say anything relating to blame. There could be different factors that you are unaware of that caused the accident. An admission of guilt could also be used against you.
- Cooperate With The Police
Stay at the accident scene until the police tell you that you can leave. Tell the police only the facts of what happened, and do not assume something or read into any other information related to the facts. Moreover, do not acknowledge any responsibility to anyone, as well as people in your vehicle, the other vehicle, witnesses, or police. It is not always obvious to see the legal matters of responsibility or liability. Do give the police details about any injuries and witnesses. The police officer that takes the report ought to provide you with a card and therefore the “incident number,” so that you will be able to get an accident report. If he does not give it, ask for it.
- Contact With Your Insurance Agent
It is essential to notify your insurance agent directly, whether you are guilty or not. There is the possibility that the other driver is uninsurable or underinsured. Your insurance agent might ask you for the notes you have taken, information from the other driver, and police report information. Never give any recorded statements to any insurance firm or meet with any insurance agents without consulting your injury lawyer first.
