Being in a vehicle accident is not something that anybody anticipates happening. The reality of the matter is, however, that the number of automobile collisions that occur every year in the United States is growing, which indicates that an increasing number of individuals are having their lives disrupted as a result of this tragic event. After an accident, be sure to seek help from legal counsel that understands any medical tests / care you might need, protect your rights, and negotiate with insurance companies says New York City personal injury lawyers, The Barnes Firm; as well as following the steps below.
Get Your Vehicle (and Yourself) to a Safe Location
When there is an accident in the middle of the road, you and anybody else who is nearby are at risk of being struck by automobiles that are moving in either direction. This applies to both directions of traffic. The car must be brought to a halt quickly if the engine is still running. If your vehicle is unable to move and you need to exit the roadway, you should wait until the other vehicles have gone by before leaving the roadway.
When you are driving on a crowded highway, your safety should be your priority, and this helps ensure that you won’t have any problems there.
You Must Exchange Specific Information
You have no option but to communicate with the other people who were involved in the crash, regardless of how you feel about them. Do not jump to conclusions about who is to blame; rather, inquire about their information in more detail. Some of them are as follows:
- The other driver’s license
- The other driver’s insurance company’s contact information
- The other driver’s contact information
- The witnesses’ contact information
Your insurance company and legal team will use this to establish your case.
Notify the Authorities and Your Insurance Company about the Accident
Report the occurrence to the authorities as well as to your insurance company as soon as you can do so. However, the fact that there has been an injury, as well as damage to the property, makes it very necessary for the authorities to get involved. If you have police records and tell your insurance company right away, it may be easier to get paid back.
Communicate with Witnesses at the Accident Scene
Request a statement from any witnesses who were there during the accident and get in touch with them. Inquire as to whether or not they will relay their side of the story to the insurance company to help your case.
Take Pictures as Evidence
Taking photographs might be of great assistance in establishing a case. The location of the accident, any possible road hazards, the damage to your car or the other car, any obvious injuries, and any other information could all help you move on.
Receive Medical Care
You must obtain medical assistance, and you should either wait for an ambulance to arrive at the site of the accident or make arrangements to go to the nearest emergency facility. You can begin therapy, and you are also able to get medical documents that you may use to assist you in demonstrating the losses you have sustained.
Nothing Should Be Shared on Social Media
Some individuals like using social media as a platform to communicate all of their life experiences. However, details regarding the collision, such as images of the damaged car or descriptions of the injuries you incurred and how you’re healing from them, should not be posted on social media platforms. The reason for this is that insurance brokers are paid to find ways to profit from the errors made by policyholders, and because of this, they can use this knowledge against you.
Consult a Lawyer about Your Rights
Consultation with an attorney provides you with a more distinct understanding of the rights and choices available to you going forward in the circumstance you are in. You will have a better idea of what to expect during the whole process, and someone who knows how sneaky insurance adjusters try to be to limit their liability will be able to protect your legal rights.
Conclusion
You cannot go back in time and stop the accident from occurring at any point in history. You may, however, protect your legal rights in the case of a car accident and ensure that you will be compensated financially for the expense of your medical treatment as well as the damage to your car. If you do these measures, there is a better chance that your claim or lawsuit will be successful.
