10 Things to Do When Injured in an Auto Accident
What to do after an accident? It’s important to know what steps to take when you or someone you love be involved in a serious car wreck, trucking accident, bus accident or motorcycle accident. A motor vehicle and other injury accident can happen to anyone—any place, any time. You may be close to home or away on vacation and miles from home. In either case, we suggest you take an informed and strategic approach to protect your rights and maximize compensation. If you are ever in an accident follow these guidelines to protect your rights:
1. Stop Your Car
If your car is involved in an accident and you don’t stop, you may be subject to criminal prosecution. Leave your car as close as possible to the place of impact without obstructing traffic. After stopping, CALL THE POLICE. A police report of the accident will help your insurance claim and any liability claims, so make sure to get the police report number. If you receive a traffic ticket, it does not mean you are guilty of a traffic offense or that you are responsible for the accident.
2. Take Pictures and Preserve the Evidence
Take pictures of the both vehicles and make notes about the time of day, weather conditions, road conditions street lights and length of skid marks. Also make a diagram of the accident noting the location of the vehicles, cross walks, stop signs and traffic signals.
3. Do Not Admit Responsibility
When you exchange information with the other driver and give facts to the police, don’t admit responsibility for the accident. Things that you say can be used against you if there is litigation. You may think that you were responsible for the accident and later learn that the other driver caused it or that the other driver was equally at fault. Consult your lawyer and insurance agent before pleading guilty to any traffic offense.
4. Exchanging Information With the Other Driver
Exchange information with the driver of the other car. You should get the following information:
• Other driver’s – name, address, phone number, driver’s license number,
• Other driver’s insurance company name and policy number
• Passengers – name, address and phone number
• Witnesses – name, address and phone number
• Owner (if not driver) – name, address, phone number, driver’s license number,
• Name, policy number and contact number of insurance company
5. Get Immediate Medical Attention (Emergency Room if Necessary)
Both you and your passengers should consider seeking medical attention immediately at a hospital emergency room. The doctor may recognize injuries, sometimes serious, that are not apparent to you. The charges for a doctor visit and medical treatment may be covered by your insurance. Don’t settle personal injury claims from the accident until your doctor has advised you about the extent of your injuries.
6. Call Your Lawyer
If you have been involved in an accident the sooner you call your lawyer the better. Your lawyer at “GetMoneyYouDeserve.com” can advise you about your rights and responsibilities. Our on staff Insurance Claim Specialist will counsel you on how to respond to questions from insurance adjusters and help you recover compensation for your personal injuries and damages to your car. Call 817 924-6700 or 214-507-7758.
7. Never Give a Recorded Statement to the Other Driver’s Insurance Company
NEVER give a recorded statement to an insurance company other than your own. Doing so can destroy your right to pursue an action against the at-fault driver. Often, insurance companies will try to intimidate you or make false promises to pay in exchange for your cooperation and recorded statement. This can equate to legal disaster and should never be given. Instead, call the lawyers at The Law Office of Attorney Sonyia Byrd so you can Get The Money You Deserve.
8. File an Accident Report
In some cases a police report may not be filed. If the police issue you a form to fill out make sure that you have all of the other parties information including vehicle description and insurance information listed. The report must be filed within a few days of the accident if there were personal injuries or if the damage to property exceeded a minimum amount, for example, $100. Failure to file an accident report may result in a fine and loss of your driver’s license. Keep copies of the report for your appointment with your attorney and for your records.
9. Get your property damage repaired
We will assist you in coordinating with the insurance company to get your property inspected as soon as possible. If you are NOT able to drive your vehicle make sure you are advised of the wrecker company’s name and storage location.
10. Get Follow up Treatment
t is very important to get follow up treatment with your private doctor. Make sure you take pictures of any bruises or cuts, and note any and all pain you are suffering from as a result of the accident. Keep copies of all medical bills you receive.