It is estimated that in excess of six million car accidents happen per year in the United States. Fortunately, most of them result in property damage only that is damage to the vehicle rather than to the people in the vehicle. One in three accidents causes personal injury to the motorist or other passengers, and out of that, two out of accident causes fatal injuries.
If you’re involved in a car accident, there are some things you can do to safeguard yourself and your rights.
Here is an overview of the top 10 items you should take care of should you be involved in a car accident:
1. stop
Don’t drive away from your accident site, no matter how minor. Not even the smallest one.
2. protect the scene
You can avoid future incidents by creating flares or keeping your flashers on. If it’s dark and your lights do not work, you must be equipped with a flashlight to protect you when you are waiting in your vehicle.
3. call the police
Even if you do not have severe injuries, it’s an excellent idea to call the police. There may be a need for the police report to claim your insurance company, even if it’s simply to file a claim for damages caused to the vehicle. Vehicles involved in a crash must remain in their place unless they cause traffic.
4. make an accrate record
When the police arrive, inform an investigating officer(s) precisely what took place as best you can to your abilities. If you are unsure of the facts, you should disclose that to the police officer. Don’t make up your mind, guess or misstate any facts. If you’re asked if you are hurt and aren’t sure, state that you’re not certain rather than saying no. Most of the time, the injury and pain caused by motor vehicle accidents show up just hours after the accident. It is also important to ensure that assertions made by others involved in the incident are accurate.
5. safe photos
If you have a camera inside your car or on a cellphone with cameras, you must capture photos of your vehicle when there is damage visible. If you’ve sustained visible injuries, it is important to take pictures of them too. But you must not interfere with the ongoing police investigation if you cannot take photos at the site when the accident; you should take pictures as soon as you can following the incident.
6. exchange information
Usually, the police officer who is investigating collects the information. If the police cannot respond to the incident, you must find the address, name and phone number of every person involved, including passengers and drivers. Also, you should get information regarding insurance by requesting the insurance documents for all the vehicles involved in the incident. If witnesses are present, you must also obtain their contact details to ensure you or your lawyers such as personalinjurylawyersperth.com.au can call witnesses in the near future. If the police are called to the incident, the officer who is investigating typically will provide the drivers with a report number. The number can be used in the future to access your police record. If the accident occurred on a highway that is a state highway, you need to obtain the official state report.
7.report the accident
Inform the insurance provider as quickly as you can. Some policies require immediate reporting and complete cooperation. Check if you’re eligible for medical benefits included in your insurance. There is a cost for this type of coverage in the industry, so you ought to take advantage of it. If you have coverage, you must send your medical bills related to an accident to the insurance company. This coverage is the primary source for medical expenses related to accidents. After the benefits run out, private health insurance becomes your primary insurance. The benefits are offered to all occupants of the vehicle. Insurance rates shouldn’t rise due to filing claims for the insurance.
8. seek medical attention
Many times, injuries from automobile accidents aren’t immediately obvious. Most of our clients experience the greatest pain for a couple of days after an auto accident. If you’re not sure you did not suffer any injuries, you must seek medical attention at the nearest emergency department or visit your family doctor. Even in minor accidents, you may be left with a severe and permanent injury to the spinal cord. If you became unconscious or experienced a loss of consciousness for an hour after the accident, you may have suffered a concussion or open head injuries. This could cause changes in behaviour and cognitive function if untreated.
9.keep a file
Keep all documents related to the accident and other information in one place. The information you collect should include an insurance number, the number of the adjuster in charge of the claim, the names and numbers of all contacts, receipts from a rental car, and any other costs related to the incident.
10. protect your legal rights
A good lawyer will defend your rights and ensure important evidence isn’t lost. In many cases, insurance companies will want to collect statements right away following an accident. You must receive legal advice before making statements. The lawyer you consult with can guide you regarding everything from how to ensure you get the maximum amount of compensation for the vehicle you own to ways to ensure you’re receiving the most effective medical treatment that is available. Personal injury lawyers operate on a contingent fee basis, meaning there is no legal charge unless the lawyer receives compensation for your injuries.
Read More: 3 Tips for Filing a Personal Injury Claim
