Car accidents are anything but soothing! Most of you are aware of the many steps that you are ought to take after the occurrence of a car accident. Whoever is at fault, if you belong to one of the parties of the victim or the one at fault, you are bound to take certain steps in your as well as your party’s interests. However, you need to be all the more cautious while following these steps since the other party might consider leaving the scene of the accident, failing to report the event or even ridiculing your account of the events, or simply being anything but helping. Here are some steps to guide you as to what to do just after an accident in which you have been the victim: Do a thorough Follow-up of the Accident
Though it feels highly unpleasant having experienced a car accident, take some time to gather your cool all over again. Health comes first. Attend to your injuries if any. Get immediate medical attention. If your injuries are grave, ask for help from your other friends in the car or any other witness at the scene. Also, make sure to note down about the injuries. Though it might be challenging in such a short time when your mind might not be completely sound, make an attempt to do so. Keep a check on all drivers and passengers who may be involved in the accident. Help those who need instant medical care. However, make sure that you move an injured person only when it is necessary for his or her safety, else not. Also, get the vehicles moved out of traffic to avoid any disturbing traffic jam or any other accident, thus creating a more intense scene! Collect Information If the other party or driver is clearly at fault, then it is their duty to report the incident to their insurer. However, you can never assume things under such critical circumstances and take honor ship on your own. Keep in mind that leaving the scene of the incident is a grave felony in itself as per the law. However, you can prove it, if the case demands, only if you have proper evidence that someone involved in the accident escaped the scene. That is why gathering of information is necessary. The following information should be collected anyhow:
Making a Call the Police It is a crucial step as it can help you in the aftermath of such an event to recover. It might not be obvious as to who is at fault for causing the accident. Both you and the other party might have contributed to the traumatic event. Whatever the case may be, in case there are physical injuries or substantial damage, you should think of calling the police. A police report may not be adequate for the civil court but, it surely gives you an edge when you give your version of events or at the time of reaching a settlement. You should consider calling the police even when the other driver or passengers in the other vehicle are hurt. Steps you may take after reaching home Even if you suffer from minor injuries, you might feel the need to take some measures after reaching home. However, do not wait or the next day to treat or wash your injuries, as the case may be. Make a proper note of the injuries that you have suffered from the accident. The more detailed the note, the better. Keep it ongoing till your injuries or wounds are fully healed. If you are fortunate enough, the other driver or party might report the accident to his or her insurer and the insurance company shall comply by writing a cheque to you for your vehicular damage as well as your medical bills. Inform the course of events to your Own Insurance Company Car accidents happen when you least expect. Moreover, in a state of such overwhelming shock, you might not have a full memory of the entire set of events that led up to the collision. You might not realize that you were at fault partially. After all, it is human to automatically put the blame on others before peeping into your own actions that might have led to the accident. A case might arise where the other driver’s insurance company does not agree to take any responsibility. Whatever the case may be, your own insurance company should be made aware of the scenario. It is required if your insurance company plans to initiate a legal action against the other insurer or to get a collision claim formulated for your vehicle. No matter whose fault it is, you must contact professional personal injury lawyers. When you take this step, it establishes a good image of you. After all, you fulfilled your share of responsibility by reporting the accident. Steps you might take against the Other Driver's Insurance Company In general, the other driver’s or party’s insurance company should take care of the damages you have suffered, in case you are the victim. However, in the absence of a police report, the insurance company might support its policyholder and deny any form of coverage. In such a case, your own insurer needs to come into play. It may cover the damage, sue the other insurance company or make effort to reach a settlement that is suited for all parties. However, always consider hiring a specialized car accident lawyer and then, suing the other party's insurer all by yourself.
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AuthorPersonal Injury Lawyer Serving Fort Lauderdale Archives
September 2017
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