You decide to take your Corolla for a little spin, to grab a bagel or perhaps squeeze in a few errands, then all of a sudden, you hear a screeching tire and a loud bang on the tail end of your car. Before you know it, you’re caught in a minor car collision.
Automotive accidents are inevitable. They are often caused by drivers’ irresponsible, careless, and negligent behavior. Forty percent of car accidents are caused by driving under the influence of alcohol. Thirty percent is linked to over-speeding, while thirty-three percent is caused by reckless driving.
In the United States, over six million people get caught in a vehicular accident every year. Six percent of them die while twenty-seven percent of them sustain only non-fatal injuries.
When caught in a car collision, people often feel a wave of panic, shock, and confusion. However, it’s important to remain levelheaded and know the proper way to deal with these sticky situations. This article outlines people’s rights and responsibilities in the aftermath of a car accident.
Don’t Make a Run for It
When involved in a non-fatal car collision, do not leave the site. Speeding away from the scene could get you in trouble. Even if a third party caused the accident, you should not leave the vicinity. That will matter if an accident attorney will handle your case.
In cases where the car collision caused damage to property, stay in the area as much as possible. You should remain calm and collected, so you can take the right steps to deal with the matter at hand.
Exchange information with the parties involved. Ask for their full name, residential address, contact information, and registration number. To be sure, jot down the description of their vehicles such as car model, color, and plate number. The same information should also be cascaded to investigators. It’s your responsibility to provide your driver’s license, license plate number, registration number, phone number, insurance, and other pertinent personal data to investigators in the scene.
Phone in Medical Help
Request for a medical assessment after getting caught in a serious road accident. You have to prioritize your health, above all else. Even if you only sustained minor concussions or slight cuts, don’t think twice to ask for medical help. When you undergo examinations and treatments in the aftermath of an accident, keep copies of hospital records, test results, and official receipts. These documents will be helpful when you want to ask for legal help or insurance claims.
Collect Proofs
Secure physical evidence of the automotive accident. Take pictures of both vehicles right after the collision. Take photos of the surrounding area of the accident and have the close-up images of the car dents, if any. You can also include the physical injuries you sustained from the impact of the collision. These pieces of evidence will be useful just in case the other party suddenly denies allegations or twists details of the car accident.
Speak to Key Witnesses
You can approach witnesses of the vehicular accident. You can request for their consent, their contact information, and their personal accounts of the incident. Asking for the statements is essential in filing an accident report at the police station. However, you should also be aware that they have the right to refuse interrogation and involvement in vehicular accidents. Do not coerce them to give their statements and personal information if they don’t want to.
Work Out an Agreement
There are instances in which the party involved in the accident will try to strike up a bargain. You can agree to a private settlement when there are no injuries sustained or major damages incurred. That is also a good alternative when you’ve filed insurance claims numerous times already. After all, being a high-risk profile won’t sit well with car insurance companies. However, when going for a private settlement, you have to give them an accurate approximation of the necessary repair works. Before you give it the nod, ask for the exact calculation of repair costs at a legitimate car shop. Despite settling things privately, it’s still part of your responsibility to report the incident to the police.
Hammer Out a Report
It’s part of your duty to file a report to the police station. Inform law enforcement members or police personnel of what transpired. Filing a police report is an essential step in dealing with a vehicular accident. A police report will come in handy when you decide to pursue legal action or insurance claims after a vehicular accident.
It’s part of your right to pursue legal action rights after a car collision, especially in serious cases. It’s best to ask for legal assistance from credible attorneys to handle your case.
With these ideas in mind, you will have an idea of how to handle a car accident. This way, you can reach a resolution more effectively without unnecessary trouble.
