What To Do When You Have Been In An Accident
Assess Your Condition • The first thing to do after an accident is to briefly assess your condition to determine if it is safe for you to move. • If you do not believe you are injured, you should then check to see if anyone else needs medical attention. • Contact the police in order to get emergency assistance on the scene.
Take Safety Precautions • Turn on your hazard lights and use any flares you might have in your trunk. This will help other drivers avoid the accident scene. • Do not remain in the roadway, as this might lead to further injury.
Gather and report • You will want to get the license tag information as well as the insurance information for the other driver. • When the police arrive on the scene, you will likely be questioned. • Be sure to stick to the facts and don’t provide additional information that isn’t relevant to the case at hand.
Sketch the Scene • You should sketch the accident as you recall it. • This doesn’t have to be a professional drawing, but it should depict your vehicle, the other vehicles involved, and what happened. • Do this as soon after the accident as possible so everything is still fresh in your memory.
Seek Medical Assistance • Even if you don’t believe that you are hurt, you may have suffered a serious injury. • Many collision-related injuries don’t present symptoms until later in the day or even the following few days. • Getting medical treatment immediately will help you if you need to seek damages in the future.
Contact a Lawyer • A lawyer is your best line of defense after an accident. • If you are injured, you have the right to seek compensation for your medical costs. • You can also seek compensation of other expenses, such as lost wages, rehabilitation, and transportation to medical appointments.
Do Not Speak to an Insurance Adjuster • Do not speak to insurance adjuster about your injuries before consulting a lawyer. • The insurance companies want to settle for the lowest price possible, and you might not get the funds for which you are entitled. • Your lawyer can deal with the adjustors so you don’t have to.
Know Your Rights • Whenever you are involved in an accident, you should make sure you are aware of your rights. • You don’t have to say anything that might incriminate you when talking with the police. • If you are ever unsure of your rights under the law, contact a lawyer for assistance.
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