An accident involving a car can be a terrifying event. Many people are unsure what to do after being involved in a car accident.
However, it is critical that you act swiftly and take particular steps following your accident to safeguard your legal rights and ensure that you receive the assistance you require.
Manchester car accident lawyers have some useful “Dos and Don’ts” following a crash so you don’t endanger your health or your legal rights in Illinois.
IMMEDIATELY CALL THE POLICE AFTER A CRASH.
Car accidents are frequently caused by inattentive or careless drivers. When someone else is to fault for your accident, that individual can be sued, and you may be able to get compensation for your losses. You must, however, demonstrate how the accident occurred. The best proof you have may be a police accident report.
When you call the cops after a car accident, an officer will arrive at the scene, record a report, and obtain the contact information of all parties involved. This information will come in handy later on when filing a claim for damages.
DO NOT APOLOGIZE FOR THE ACCIDENT OR ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY.
You don’t want to find yourself in a position where you have to confess culpability or blame, especially if the circumstances surrounding the accident are unclear. You don’t want to confess that you were partially to blame for the accident since it could endanger your entitlement to compensation.
When the cops arrive, respond respectfully to their queries without apologising or volunteering anything that you are not required to disclose. Also, don’t say anything about being at fault for the accident while the facts are still being worked out. Police officers can examine the scene and make their own decisions.
IF YOU HAVE A CRASH, SEEK MEDICAL HELP IMMEDIATELY.
Following a collision, getting medical care should be a primary priority, along with notifying the cops. Even if you don’t think you’ve been seriously injured, you should always seek medical attention. Some physical problems do not manifest themselves immediately. Whiplash, for example, may not manifest symptoms for 24 to 48 hours. Brain traumas, internal hemorrhage, and organ damage may not exhibit symptoms for a long period.
You can get checked out to make sure you don’t have any significant internal injuries if you get care from a medical professional right away. If you suffer brain bleeding or another major inside disease, getting medical help as soon as possible could save your life.
The medical reports may also be important in proving your injuries in the event of an accident. If you wait days or weeks to seek medical attention, the other car in the collision may claim that you are exaggerating your injuries or that they were not caused by the collision. You won’t have that problem if you get medical care as soon as possible.
DO NOT MOVE IF YOU OR ANYONE ELSE HAS BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED.
If you or anyone else in the accident was critically injured, attempting to move out of your current position or moving the other person could do greater harm. If you try to move after an accident, it could make it worse. This is especially true for spine injuries. Instead, dial 911 and wait for rescuers to arrive to help you or those who have been harmed.
While you wait for police, try to secure the site to ensure that no one suffers additional serious injuries as a result of the collision. If you or anyone else is in good health, it may be a good idea to use flares to warn other cars of the accident.
Whether or not to move the cars out of the way before the cops arrive will depend on whether anyone has been seriously injured, whether or not the cars are drivable, and whether or not the cars and car are in a position where they could cause other drivers to collide. It’s usually preferable to leave them where they are so that the police can see what happened.
COLLECT EVIDENCE ON THE SPOT OF THE CRASH.
You’ll want to have as much information as possible because you’ll need to prove your case in order to receive compensation. This implies you’ll need evidence, such as photographs taken at the accident scene. Obtaining the identities of witnesses to the accident can also be beneficial in the event that your version of events is challenged. It’s a good idea to write down your own storey of the crash while the memories are still fresh in your mind.
DO NOT BE CONVINCED BY THE OTHER DRIVER NOT TO CALL THE INSURANCE COMPANY.
When a driver causes an accident, he or she may prefer to keep the insurance companies out of the matter for fear of higher insurance premiums. The other car may offer to cover your expenses in exchange for you not contacting your insurance company. This is something you should never do!
This is a bad idea for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, you may suffer far more catastrophic injuries than you anticipated. The other driver will not be able to pay out of pocket if you sustain injuries worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. Second, the other car driver may not be dependable in keeping their promises.
You’d have limited recourse if you didn’t call the insurance company and the other driver didn’t pay or couldn’t pay because claims must usually be reported to your insurer within a certain amount of time, and vital evidence may have been destroyed if you didn’t.
DO PROVIDE YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY WITH THE INFORMATION IT REQUIRES.
You’ll need to answer some basic questions regarding the accident when you contact your insurance carrier. You should answer the questions succinctly and offer the essential facts, while also making sure you don’t say anything that could jeopardise your claim inadvertently. Having experienced Hartford personal injury lawyers protecting your interests and dealing with the insurer on your behalf might be beneficial.
You’ll need to be even more cautious when the other driver’s insurance company asks you questions. You don’t want to assist them in building a case against you or jeopardise your right to compensation.
DO NOT BELIEVE ANY INSURANCE COMPANY TO BE ON YOUR SIDE.
Neither your own insurance company nor the other driver’s insurance company is primarily concerned with safeguarding your interests. In truth, they are primarily concerned with preserving their profit margins. This may be in direct conflict with your goals. While your own insurance company may be more helpful than the other driver’s, it is still not a strong and effective advocate for your rights.
IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE CRASH, CONTACT A CAR ACCIDENT ATTORNEY.
A motorbike accident might result in significant financial damages, and you cannot rely on any insurance provider to fairly reimburse you. You require assistance in determining your rights, obtaining proof, and presenting your case. A skilled accident lawyer will be able to assist you.
