Here’s What You Need to Do After an Auto Accident

Unintentional accidents are so tragic, especially when you’re not at fault. Accidents can cause injuries or even death. Keep reading if you or someone close to you find yourself in such an unfortunate situation.

Take the Other Driver’s Information

The first thing you will want to do after stepping out of your vehicle is to make a note of the other driver’s license plate. It is important to remember that you must have a suspended license plateHigher penalties may result in jail sentence and possible three year imprisonment. Just in case it was a hit-and-run attempt, try to read the other driver’s license plate or at least get the car model and color. You will need to share information with the driver if they get out of your car. Get their phone number and name. Take a photograph of them ID. Also, take down the license plate number. It is also important to note the type and make of your car. As the other driver may use the information against your, you must not admit guilt.

Photographs

Photos are vital information in any car accident incident. Taking pictures of the accident scene is important because this will be the basis of the cars’ condition, so it is better to take pictures of every damaged part in detail. Take pictures of the actual damage done to your car, the other driver’s car, the license plate, the driver’s license, and the car’s license. All of this information is useful for a later claim.

Get in touch with the police

Contact police right away. To ensure your rights are protected, you should seek the assistance of police. You must contact the police, even in the event of hit and run. It is essential that you inform police of all information. It is important to inform the police about any gender differences you may have caught. You can also tell them an approximation of the other driver’s speed if you think it was a speeding issue. When talking to the police, you don’t want to say or imply anything that will lead them to think that you are guilty. You mustn’t, at any time, hide any information from the police or give them false information. If you are not sure about anything,  you will want to inform them that you’re not certain. If you notice that the other driver gave you false information, it is best to inform police as soon as possible. Witnesses are better than none. If any witnesses were able to assist, they should stay with the police until help arrives. Keep your cool until police arrive. Do not get into any physical or verbal conflict with another party.

Contact an Ambulance to Get Medical Care

You should immediately call an ambulance if you or the other driver are injured. While you should provide appropriate first aid, it is important to not move the injured just in case of broken bones. Even if your injuries seem minor, it is important to get medical help. If you have no visible injuries and you don’t feel any type of pain, still go to the nearest medical facility and get checked out in case of internal bleeding or unseen injuries.

Find an attorney

A legal representative is necessary for all of the work that you’ll have to do with police officers and insurance companies. The basic rule of thumb is: when you’re injured in an accident, call a qualified attorney to ensure that you’re dealing with a professional that knows what they are doing. If you don’t already have a legal attorney, you must get in contact with a good one as soon as possible. It is difficult and exhausting to go down to the police station and understand your rights. An attorney will ensure that you are able to consult with a lawyer and can tell you what your rights are and how you should proceed. You will also want an attorney because insurance companies often try to get you to pay less or deny your rights. An attorney will make sure that you receive the compensation you deserve from your insurance company or the other driver’s insurance company.

Collect evidence

Step one in obtaining your rights is gathering evidence. The procedure of gathering evidence starts from when you first get the other driver’s information. Talk to your lawyer and share all information that you have gathered with them. Also, tell them everything you told the police. Your attorney should know the exact location of the accident to enable them legal access the footage taken by nearby shops cameras. This is against the law. A hospital report detailing your injuries is evidence that you sustained the injury. Make sure to get it from the hospital. Additionally, both photos of the cars should be presented to your lawyer and police.

Get in touch with your insurance company

To inform your insurer about an accident, it is best that you contact them as soon as possible. Even though you might be quick to call your insurance company, it’s better for your attorney to do so. Your attorney will provide the insurance company with all the information proving that the accident wasn’t your fault, and informing them of the physical damages done to you. Sometimes, you may be required to provide the following: other driver’s insurance companyWhile they will make all payments necessary to fix your car, they may want you to accept a lesser amount. Don’t forget to bring your attorney along for any meeting. Also, let them read all settlements.

Don’t walk away from an accident without ensuring you did everything to receive your rights. You should pay attention to any information from the scene of the accident through the police arrival and up to the point you meet with your attorney. If you do find any important or irrelevant information, please share it with your lawyer and police.

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