Traffic accidents are a leading cause of death in the United States. In 2013, there were more than 33,000 traffic fatalities, and more than 2.3 million people were injured. That is why it is important to know what to do if you’re in a traffic accident. Here are six things you need to know.
1. Call the police
Even if the accident is minor, it is important to call the police so that there is a record of what happened. The police will also be able to help you exchange insurance information with the other driver.
For example, if the other driver doesn’t have insurance, or if they try to flee the scene of the accident, you’ll be glad you called the police.
In addition, the police report can be used as evidence in court if the case goes to trial. Keep in mind that it can take several weeks for the police report to be available, so don’t delay in asking for a copy.
2. Contact a lawyer
If you’ve been injured in a traffic accident, you should contact a lawyer as soon as possible. A lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and options and can represent you in negotiations with the insurance company. When it comes to how a car accident lawyer can help you, the most important thing to remember is that you don’t have to go through this process alone. If your case goes to trial, a lawyer will be able to present your case in court.
For example, if you’re unable to work because of your injuries, a lawyer can help you get the compensation you need to cover your medical expenses and lost wages.
3. Get medical attention
If you’ve been injured in a traffic accident, it is important to get medical attention as soon as possible. Even if your injuries seem minor, it is important to be evaluated by a medical professional.
Some injuries, such as whiplash, may not be immediately apparent. And if you wait too long to get medical treatment, the insurance company may argue that your injuries are not related to the accident.
In addition, getting prompt medical treatment will document your injuries, which can be important if your case goes to trial. In that case, the jury will need to see evidence of your injuries, such as medical records, to award you damages. You could also lose out on compensation if you don’t get medical treatment right away.
4. Exchange information with the other driver
If you’ve been in a traffic accident, you’ll need to exchange information with the other driver. You should exchange insurance information, as well as your contact information.
You should also get the other driver’s license plate number, as well as the make and model of their car. If there are witnesses to the accident, you should get their contact information as well. Also, be sure to get the name and badge number of the police officer who responds to the accident.
This is important information that you’ll need if you decide to file a claim with the insurance company.
5. Take photos of the accident scene
If you have a camera or a smartphone, you should take photos of the accident scene. These photos can be used as evidence in your case.
Be sure to take photos of the damage to both cars, as well as any injuries that you or the other driver may have sustained. You should also take photos of the intersection or stretch of road where the accident occurred. These photos can be used to help recreate the accident, which can be helpful in determining who was at fault.
Also, be sure to take photos of any traffic signs or signals that may have been involved in the accident. When taking the photos, be sure to get a wide shot that shows the entire scene, as well as close-ups of specific details. This way, you’ll have a record of what the scene looked like, which can be important if the accident is disputed.
If you’ve been in a traffic accident, there’s a good chance that the other driver will dispute who was at fault. This can be a frustrating process, especially if you’re trying to get the insurance company to pay for your damages.
There are a few things you can do to help prove who was at fault in the accident. The most important thing you should get is the contact information of any witnesses to the accident. These people can provide testimony about what they saw, which can be helpful in determining who was at fault.
6. Don’t give a recorded statement to the insurance company
After a traffic accident, an insurance adjuster may contact you and ask you to give a recorded statement. It’s important to know that you are not required to give a recorded statement, and you should not do so without first consulting with a lawyer.
The insurance company may use your recorded statement against you, so it’s important to be careful about what you say. For example, if you say something that is interpreted as an admission of fault, it could be used to deny your claim.
Additionally, the insurance company may try to pressure you into settling your claim quickly and for less than you deserve. If you’re not sure how much your claim is worth, or if you don’t feel comfortable negotiating with the insurance company, a lawyer can help.
If you’ve been in a traffic accident, there are several things you need to do in order to protect your legal rights. You should contact a lawyer as soon as possible, and be sure to take photos of the accident scene. You should also exchange information with the other driver, and don’t give a recorded statement to the insurance company. The bottom line is that you don’t have to go through this process alone. A lawyer can help you navigate the legal system and get the compensation you deserve.
