Legal Steps to Take After a Car Accident That Shouldn’t Have Happened – Guest Post

In the aftermath of a car accident, you need to protect your rights while providing humanitarian aid to others. There is no such thing as a planned or pleasant car accident. The moments right after a car accident can feel terrifying. Confusion, fear, and even panic can prevail. However, there are things that you can do to protect yourself, especially if you plan on filing a claim down the line.

Call Law Enforcement

If there are no injuries, report the accident to law enforcement right away. Ask for an officer to come to the scene of the accident so that an accident report can be filed. Even with minor fender benders, you want to call the police so there’s a record of what happened, mainly for insurance purposes. They can prepare a report that a car accident lawyer, someone like the Grall Law Group, can use if you decide pursue legal action.

If there are injuries at the scene of the accident, your first call should be to 911 to request help.

Stay Put

Remain at the scene of the accident until you have exchanged information with others involved or until law enforcement or medical help arrives. Wait until the responding officers permit you to leave the scene, as you could be charged with a hit-and-run if you decide leave before they’re able to gather all the required information for a report. This is also the best time to get your side of the story required, that way there’s a clear account of what happened for others to refer back to later on.

Safety Is Paramount

Check yourself for injuries and then others seated in the vehicle. If it’s safe for you to exit your car, you may want to check on the other drivers and passengers. If you or anyone else at the scene is injured, call 911 right away.

Don’t try to be the hero and perform medical procedures that are beyond what you have been trained to do. The exception would be if someone were in immediate danger. Prompt medical attention is essential after serious car accidents.

Get Evidence

Take a moment to identify any witnesses. Note specific details about the accident. Write down the makes and models of the cars involved, the license plates, and the colors of the vehicles. Don’t be afraid to take pictures of skid marks and other conditions. Look around to see any cameras nearby. Make a note of where the cameras are and who you or your attorney may need to communicate with to get a copy of the footage.

Be Careful About What You Say

Don’t admit fault to the police or the other driver. Even if you wholeheartedly believe that you are at fault for the accident, other facts may come out that show that you were mistaken. However, if you admit to liability at the scene, it may not matter what other evidence comes out later. Be truthful in what you say, but don’t include phrases such as or similar to “my fault”. This will be all the other driver’s insurance company needs to make you and your insurance pay for the damages.

No one wants to be in any kind of accident, least of all a car accident. However, you need to take immediate steps to protect yourself from any legal action if you are. These include gathering as much information and evidence as possible for later reports, such as the accident report and what you’re going to talk about with your insurance provider or a car accident lawyer. You should also comply to the best of your ability with what law enforcement or your lawyer asks you to do, as being resistant or obstinate could end up backfiring on you.