How you react after a car accident can have a big impact on your ability to recover damages
Getting into a car accident can be a stressful experience to say the least. You may be disoriented from the collision or in severe pain from an injury. Learning in advance what you should and should not do in the event of a car accident will help make the experience a bit easier, and also help ensure that you will be in a good position to seek compensation from any and all responsible parties.
Do Not Leave the Scene of the Accident
Even if you are the innocent party in the accident, leaving the scene can be considered a hit and run and you may risk being accused of a felony. It is very important to stop immediately after an accident.
Do Call for Help
If anyone has been injured in the accident, or if substantial property damage worth more than $500 has occurred, you need to call the police. Obviously you should also call 911 to get medical attention for anyone who has been hurt.
Do Not Move Your Car Before Taking Photos
After a car accident, there will probably be a huge snarl of traffic backing up behind you. However, do not let the impatience of other motorists deter you from taking the steps necessary to protect your own interests. If it is safe to do so, take pictures of all cars involved in the accident using your cell phone, or ask a witness or bystander to do it for you. Documenting the exact position of the vehicles after the accident will help establish how the accident occurred and who was at fault. Once you have taken the photos, you should move your car out of the road and to a safer location, assuming of course it is drivable.
Do Collect Information
Gather as much information about the accident as possible. This will include details on the parties involved like the license plate and VIN numbers of their cars and their drivers license numbers and insurance information. You should also collect names, addresses, and phone numbers for the other drivers as well as for everyone who could serve as potential witness. Finally, be sure to note any contributing factors such as weather conditions, road conditions, lane closures, construction, traffic signage, etc.
Do Not Call Your Insurance Company
When you call your insurance agent, they will begin asking questions that you may not know how to answer. Do not risk making a misstatement in your account of the accident that may later be used to defeat your claim! Instead, let your attorney talk to your insurance company for you.
Do Call an Attorney
After an automobile accident, you need someone looking out for your interests. An experienced auto accident attorney like Fernando D. Vargas can stand up for your rights and make sure your legal rights and interests are protected.
