By Mashum Mollah
Being in a car accident can be a stressful ordeal, especially if you don’t have a good grasp on what to do and what not to do in these situations. If you’re a concerned civilian and you want to learn the basics when it comes to the legalities of a car accident, this article is for you.
Please remember, however, that the item in this article is not legal advice, so it’s still best you consult legal counsel or a lawyer to fully learn the intricacies of these situations.
With this in mind, here are some of the key things to remember legally when involved in a car accident.
What to do after a car accident?
The situation might confuse you for a while. But here are a few things you must remember if you ever meet with an accident.
Stay calm and composed
After the incident, try to stay calm and composed. Do not argue with any other person or if there is another driver on the scene. Do not make accusations against one another.
When the police come, cooperate with them, as well as any other emergency responder who comes up to the accident scene. Be honest with the police while answering them. However, do not make any theories or give away any more information than they ask you.
Never decline medical care
Immediately after the accident, call 911 for assistance. Even if you are not the one to call them, if they come for assistance, do not decline them. If they ask you to go to the hospital with them, go.
Even if you think you do not need medical attention, it is better to check with a doctor once. You might have some injuries internally, which you are unable to feel right away. It might cause problems the day after. Also, having these documents with you will help you later to file a personal injury case.
Don’t Leave the Scene
When it comes to vehicular accidents, always remember that it involves you as well. So, don’t leave the scene unless you are sure that it’s safe to go. The best person to tell you that is your lawyer and legal counsel, which means it only makes sense for them to be the ones to tell you when it is safe for you to actually leave the scene of the accident.
- This is important, as leaving the scene might give the impression that you’re at fault, and hit-and-run drivers can suffer from strict penalties.
- It’s also important not to leave the scene immediately when law enforcement arrives as it’s important that you’re there long enough so they can properly take your statement.
Call for Help from Local Authorities
If you’re in an accident and find that there are other injured people as well, try to immediately call for medical assistance and the authorities. Don’t leave the scene, of course, but be in the vicinity where you’re in no harm’s way. Don’t try to offer medical assistance to any injured party as you might worsen their condition unless you’re a licensed physician or trained in first aid. Even then, it’s best to ask your lawyer if you can administer first aid in situations like these.
- Try to call your insurance provider as well and give them your most accurate account of the events. This will give them a heads up, especially if you may have to use your insurance coverage on certain aspects of the incident, such as your health or your vehicle if ever there is a need for repairs.
- In terms of the authorities, do your best to honestly and completely share all details with the police. Try to call for your legal counsel immediately so they can go to your location and give you efficient advice on how to deal with the situation properly.
It is important that you hire legal counsel that is from your own state or the state in which you have suffered the accident from. For example, if you have faced an auto accident in Atlanta you need someone who is familiar with the legal terrain and landscape of the region. This will help in easing the legal process as there will already be familiarity with the law enforcement and judicial authorities.
Gather Relevant Information
When you’re still at the scene, try your best to gather as much information as you could about the situation. This is important as it allows you to get a good grasp of the situation before your legal counsel arrives, and for you to get the most accurate details of the scenario without the risk of stating your facts wrong.
- If it’s possible, try to politely ask for details from everyone on the scene. This includes the responding officers and their names, license numbers, and badge numbers. Ask for the names, and address details of the people who are involved in the accident to get as much information as possible.
- Try to take pictures if you have a camera with you. If you have injuries or if your car is damaged, you have to take special care while taking the pictures. This helps solidify your claim to the insurance company, especially if your legal counsel’s advice is to opt for legal action against the other parties.
- If you’re by any chance going to end up in a hospital or having to spend money to repair your vehicle or treat yourself, try as much as possible to have copies of all receipts. Keep the official records of the treatments and things you’ve purchased since the incident. This allows you to have receipts to be reimbursed from your insurance coverage.
Do not forget insurance
Not all warranty or insurance agency have a 24×7 roadside assistance. First, check with yours and see if they provide that service. This should be the second call that you make after you have met with an accident. The first call should be made to the police station.
Your insurance agency will walk you through the next steps about your vehicle and will take care of everything they have in their control. If there was a vehicle breakdown before the accident, then contact the person who is in charge of the warranty of the vehicle.
the above list can be a little overwhelming, especially if you are involved in the accident yourself. it causes a lot of stress and trauma and leaves you with PTSD a lot of times. However, try to remember that a cool head and knowing what to do can help you look at the situation properly.
With the help of a lawyer or legal counsel, be able to navigate your way through these situations without violating any laws. If you want to seek the services of a lawyer to know more about these situations, find an auto accident attorney who’s experienced in your local area.
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