When a person is involved in a car accident, the first thing they should do is try to move the car to a safe place. However, leaving the scene of the accident is typically considered a crime, so make sure this safe spot is out of the roadway but close to the scene of the accident. Always take this step first if the cars are movable to reduce the risk of another accident happening. Once this has been done, what should a driver do to protect themselves in this situation?
Check for Injuries and Call the Authorities
Check to see if anyone has been injured in the accident and contact the proper authorities. At a minimum, a law enforcement officer should come to witness the accident scene and speak to the parties involved. The fire department may be called to handle the cleanup after an accident, and paramedics might be needed to treat the injured and transport them to the hospital.
Exchange Information with the Other Drivers Involved
Always exchange names and phone numbers with the other drivers. Don’t share more than is absolutely necessary, however. Ask for their address, driver’s license number, vehicle registration information, and insurance information. Personal information should be protected, even in this type of situation.
Gather Evidence
Take photos of the accident, the vehicles, and any other details that may be pertinent to the accident. For example, if a tree limb is hanging over a street sign and blocking the sign, take a picture of this. It may have played a role in the accident, and the entity responsible for maintaining the signs could be a party to any legal action arising from the accident.
Contact the Insurance Companies
Contact your insurance company to let them know about the accident. Only share basic details about what happened. Insurance companies try to pay out the least amount possible. They will take what appears to be a simple statement and twist it in their favor. This is why is it best to let an attorney handle all communications regarding the accident.
Reach Out to an Attorney
Once the basic facts of the accident have been reported to the insurance company, reach out to an attorney that deals with car accident cases. Learn what steps need to be taken to protect your interests as the claim goes forward. Many people try to work with insurance companies on their own, only to learn doing so was a mistake. By speaking to an attorney, you can avoid this issue.
Attorneys working in this field typically operate on a contingency basis. This means the victim only pays if they receive a settlement from the responsible parties. A person should never worry about paying a lawyer when they are facing high medical bills, time lost from work, and more. By working with a personal injury attorney, a victim of a car accident won’t need to.
Attorneys are of great help to those who have been injured in a car accident through no fault of their own. With the help of this professional, the injured party can focus on recovering. The attorney handles all legal aspects of the case, including investigating the accident, to find all parties who may have contributed to it. With their help, a victim can ensure they get the compensation they deserve.
