You are likely to be involved in an accident at least once in your lifetime; therefore, it is important to know how to react correctly. The first steps you take after an accident will either make or break your case. The following guide will help you act right after being involved in a car incident.
Access the Situation
First, get out of traffic and stop your vehicle but do not leave the scene of the accident. To avoid additional crashes or injuries, make your car visible by setting out flares, turning the hazard lights on, or raising the hood of your car. Check around for any injured drivers, passengers, or pedestrians. If there are injured people or casualties, call 911.
Take Notes
The next thing you ought to do is to exchange information with all the parties involved in the accident. Also take note of the weather, the time, the conditions of traffic, and road speed limit. Write down your estimate speed and the other driver’s speed at the time of the accident. Registering information about the accident helps in determining liability. It is also important to take notes of all the circumstances surrounding the accident as evidence in case your case goes to trial.
Report the Accident
According to the law in Knoxville TN, any accident involving death, personal injury, or property damage worth more than $400 should be reported. Therefore, contact your local enforcement agency. When the police arrive, do not admit fault for the accident. In any case, you should not file a report until you reach the police station. However, try to cooperate as much as possible with the police by answering the basic questions regarding the accident. Ensure you acquire the names, business cards, or badge numbers of the law enforcement officers handling the case. Make sure you also inquire for the incident number and accident report.
Seek Medical Attention
In many car accidents, minor pain usually turns out to be serious. You should seek medical attention even if your injuries are not showing. Early treatment is necessary for preventing further damage. Furthermore, your insurance provider may argue that failing to seek immediate medical attention aggravated your condition, or that your injury was not caused by the accident. Ensure you keep all the medical records or any receipts associated with your treatment as proof when seeking compensation.
Consult a Personal Injury Lawyer
One of the most important steps you need to take when involved in an accident is to seek legal counsel. First of all, your lawyer’s presence during police interrogation and when dealing with the insurance adjuster will keep you from self incrimination. Secondly, apart from helping you file your case in time, your attorney will prevent you from settling for less than you are supposed to. Your lawyer will use their legal background and the facts of the case to push your insurance provider to fairly compensate you for your injuries. In case the insurance provider fails to give you an agreeable settlement offer, your lawyer will take the matter to court. In cases where you might be liable –either entirely or partially- for the accident, your lawyer will help you develop a strong defense.
