Every year, there are over 5.25 million car accidents in the US. Fortunately, most of them simply cause property damage — damage to the car rather than the people within. However, one out of every three incidents causes the driver or passengers to sustain bodily injuries, and two out of every ten accidents result in fatal injuries. There are steps you may take to safeguard your interests and yourself if you are involved in an auto accident. Here are the top 10 things you should do.
Stop
Never leave the scene of an accident, no matter how small.
Safeguard the Accident Scene
If you have a road safety kit in your car, make sure you remember to use it. You can stop more accidents by placing flares or keeping your flashers on. A flashlight will keep you safe while you wait in your broken-down vehicle or on the side of the road if it is dark and your lights don't work. Unless they impede traffic, the vehicles involved in the collision should stay where they are.
Contact the Police
It is a good idea to call the police even if there are no significant injuries. Even if you only want to file a claim with your insurance provider for vehicle damage, you might require a police report. Again, unless they impede traffic, the vehicles involved in the collision should stay where they are.
Provide Accurate and Complete Details
Make sure you accurately and completely describe what happened to the investigating officer when the police arrive. Tell the officer if there are any facts about which you are uncertain. Don't conjecture, hypothesize, or misrepresent any of the facts. When asked if you are hurt but are unsure, answer that you are uncertain rather than no. Injuries and discomfort from car accidents frequently show up hours after the initial impact.
Take Plenty of Photos
If there is obvious damage to the automobiles, take pictures of them if you have a camera or a cell phone. You should also take pictures of any injuries that are clearly evident. However, you must not obstruct the ongoing police inquiry in any way. Take photos as soon as you can after the accident if you are unable to do so at the scene.
Exchange Information
Usually, the police officer conducting the investigation collects this information. If the police do not arrive, get the name, address, and phone number of everyone involved, including drivers and passengers. Ask to view insurance cards for all vehicles involved. If there are witnesses, acquire their contact information so that you or your lawyer can reach them later.
Report the Accident
Inform your insurance provider as soon as possible, or notify them if you already have an attorney. Numerous regulations call for prompt reporting and total cooperation. Find out if your insurance plan includes medical benefits (Medpay). If you have Medpay coverage, you are required to submit accident-related medical expenses to your insurer. All passengers in the car are eligible for Medpay payments.
Consult a Doctor
Injuries brought on by auto accidents can take time to manifest. Most clients say that a day or two after an auto accident is when they experience the most discomfort. Seek medical assistance at your neighborhood emergency room or by visiting your family doctor unless you are positive you were not hurt. Your spinal cord might suffer catastrophic and irreversible harm in incidents even involving slight impact.
Manage Your Accident File
Organize all of your accident-related paperwork and information. This should include a claim number, the claim's adjuster, names and contact information for all parties involved, receipts for any rental car payments, and any additional costs you incurred as a result of the accident.
Confirm Your Rights — Consult a Lawyer
Consulting with your lawyer is likely the most crucial action you should take following an accident. Your lawyer can defend your legal rights by ensuring that important evidence is not lost. Insurance firms frequently want to speak with claimants after an accident — it is crucial that you seek legal counsel before making any statement. Insurance firms are not on your side and would like to settle your case for the least amount of money. Personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning there is no cost unless the lawyer is successful in getting you compensation.
We're Here to Fight for You
Please do not hesitate to contact the Law Offices of Trang Do today to schedule a free consultation if you or a loved one has been hurt in a car accident. Let us fight for you so you can concentrate on getting better. Remember — "Trang Do Can Do" — let us FIGHT for YOU!
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