What You Need To Do After a Car Accident
No matter how careful you are behind the wheel, chances are you will be involved in a car accident at some point in your lifetime explains an auto accident lawyers at Frekhtman & Associates in New York City. For this reason, it is vital for you to know what to do after a car accident. Hopefully it’s a minor one that doesn’t cause serious injuries. Regardless, there are certain things that need to be done in the immediate aftermath of a vehicle accident, provided it is safe to do so.
Stay put. For your own safety, never leave the scene of an accident unless it is more dangerous to be by the car. This will also prevent any accusations of a hit-and-run.
Check on the people involved before worrying about the car. It’s just common decency. If someone needs medical attention, make sure they get it. Don’t move someone complaining of neck or back pain unless, again, it’s safer away from the car.
Call the police. Regardless of the amount of material damage, the police should be involved to ensure everything is handled properly. Ignore offers by other drivers to forgo contacting the authorities. That’s an indication that they may try to avoid responsibility for causing the crash.
Collect information from all drivers involved. This includes names, phone numbers, addresses, driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance information. Do your best to cooperate, but never admit to anything. This could make you legally liable, even if you didn’t cause the crash.
Call your insurance company. Be honest about what happened and explain everything clearly. Lying to your insurance company will get you in serious trouble.
Take note of any medical treatment required as a result of the accident. Request copies of medical bills and reports in case this goes to court later.
Take pictures of the damage to your vehicle as soon as you can after the accident. This will help your insurance company decide compensation and will also prove vital as evidence in a court case.
Don’t talk about the accident to anybody outside of the police, your legal counsel, and your insurance company. You never know when something you say may cause difficulties regarding your case in the future.
If you were injured in a car accident and decide you need legal counsel, contact our attorneys at Frekhtman & Associates.