Ever wondered what to do after you are involved in a car accident?
Many people panic after an accident and start blaming the other driver or mentally checking out of the situation. More than 33,000 fatal car crashes occur in the United States almost every year, leading to severe injury or death. Unfortunately, many drivers are not aware of what actions to take after an accident. Car accident lawyers in Charlotte advise clients to seek legal advice whenever a major loss has occurred. Your lawyer will help you build a strong case by gathering different forms of evidence and carefully investigating the accident.
Below are some steps you should take after an accident to protect your right to compensation.
What to Do After a Car Accident?
1. Call the Police
Never let anyone talk you out of calling the police after an accident has occurred. Calling the police can be very helpful. The police will examine the car accident scene, write their official report, and possibly cite drivers for traffic law violation. Any citations given can influence the determination of liability. Their official report will serve as a key piece of evidence when you pursue compensation.
2. Act Immediately
Do not wait too long to decide what steps you should take next. Taking too long to file a lawsuit may cause vital evidence to vanish. Moreover, witnesses might not recall the events and may fail to testify in court. The statue of limitation could also restrict you from compensation if you wait too long.
Once a car accident has occurred, most drivers rush to apologize and, in the process, admit fault. Avoid going through the facts of the case with others in the scene and simply wait for the police to arrive for you to tell your story as you remember it.
3. Never Admit Fault
Admitting to the fault of an accident may hurt your claim, leading to no compensation, as it will be indicated in the police report. Let the police do the investigation independently and determine who is at fault. Never apologize or admit fault.
4. Gather Evidence
Gather as much information from the scene as possible; photos and videos will be vital when you’re ready to seek compensation. Using your phone, you can take pictures of the scene, the car damage, and the surrounding environment. It is important to also ask for the other driver’s information. Ask for details such as their full names, phone number, licence plate number and additional necessary information.
After the police have prepared the official report, you should go to the police station and ask for a copy of the police report. Evidence such as the police report, medical reports and medical bills is essential when seeking compensation.
5. Contact Your Attorney
Contacting your attorney is crucial after being involved in a car accident. Your attorney will advise and guide you forward. If you do not have one and the accident takes place in LA, some local legal firms, such as the Vaziri Law Group, APC offer free consultations and do not charge any upfront fees. A lawyer will negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf and handle your case to ensure you get fair compensation for your losses. This lets you focus on your health while your attorney handles the paperwork and negotiations. This allows you to focus on your health while your attorney takes care of the paperwork and negotiations.
Take Legal Action!
Do not get stranded or wait too long. Technology has made it easier for you to find and get in touch with accident lawyers to get car accident legal advice. Now that you know the steps to take after an accident, you will be able to file a lawsuit, get compensation and avoid suffering significant loss.
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