What To Do And Not Do After An Auto Accident
What you do after being involved in an auto accident can have an effect on your potential lawsuit's outcome. It is very important to handle the situation properly, and follow these tips for things you should and should not do after an auto accident occurs.
Do: Call The Police
It is important to call the police to the scene of the accident immediately. You will need to make a formal police report about the accident if you plan on suing for damages or filing an insurance claim to repair your car. The police officer will also help exchange contact information with the other driver and yourself.
Don't: Leave The Accident Scene
Even if you're not at fault, leaving the accident scene before the police arrive could make you look guilty. Unless you need urgent medical attention, stay at the scene of the accident until the police show up.
Do: Preserve The Auto Accident Scene
There are many aspects of an auto accident that can help tell the full story of what happened. Things such as the placement of where the cars ended up, skid marks, and car damage can play a big part in deciding who was telling the truth.
Avoid touching anything after an accident happens until police arrive to document it. You may be tempted to move your car out of the way, or give your bumper that final tap needed to knock it off your car, but seeing a preserved accident scene will help tell the full story to the police.
Don't: Accept Payment From The Driver
If the other driver offers you a deal to accept a cash settlement at the scene of the accident, do not take it. You cannot guarantee the other driver won't report the accident, and if they do, they will have the only story reported in an official police report. This can make it difficult to correct later if they say you were at fault of causing the accident.
Do: Contact Your Insurance Company
Even though an auto accident can be a very troubling time, you must contact your insurance provider as soon as possible. Most insurance companies have windows for how long you have to report an accident, and missing that window can lead to being unable to receive compensation for the accident.
By following these tips for things you should and should not do after an auto accident, it will help make everything go smoothly. For more information and help, contact vehicle accident lawyers for more information.
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