A car accident, or a traffic collision, is when a vehicle hits another vehicle or fixed object. These types of accidents can be devastating for both drivers and passengers.
It is important to stay at the crash scene if it is safe. Doing so can help preserve evidence that is needed for your case. Contact Duluth Car Accident now!
- Call the Police
It is always best to call the police after any car accident. This will ensure that an officer is present to take down all relevant information and document the scene. The officer may also ask you to give a statement about what happened from your perspective, which can be useful later on if there is a dispute over who was at fault. You can even request a copy of the report after the fact, which can help you correct any mistakes that were made in the initial report.
If you don’t have the option of calling the police, you should at least call the non-emergency number and ask them to point you in the right direction. For example, they may suggest that you just exchange insurance information with the other driver and not involve the police at all. However, this could backfire on you if the other driver is not being honest about their involvement in the crash.
It is not uncommon for the other driver to appear friendly and cooperative at the scene of the accident, but then deny all responsibility for the crash a few days later. So, even if the other driver seems to agree that the accident was not their fault at the scene, you should get the police involved anyway to be safe. In the end, this will help you build a strong case against them and improve your chances of receiving compensation for your damages.
- Exchange Information
Car accidents often cause significant financial stress, particularly when a car is totaled and people sustain life-threatening injuries. This can be due to the cost of repairs, medical treatment, and insurance premiums. To help ease the financial burden, it is important to gather as much information as possible after a crash. This can include obtaining the name and contact information of everyone involved, taking photos, and exchanging insurance details.
Exchanging information is not only a matter of courtesy; it is also required by law. If a person refuses to give their insurance information or leaves the scene, it can make pursuing compensation for injuries more difficult. Additionally, it is important to report the accident promptly to law enforcement. This will provide an official record of the incident and aid in determining liability.
Be sure to exchange the following information with the other driver: Name, address, phone number, insurance company and policy number, and vehicle information (year, make, model, color). You should also take note of any witnesses’ names and contact information. Witness testimony can be very beneficial in a car accident case. If a negligent party attempts to flee the scene before police arrive or refuses to give you their insurance information, contact a Brooklyn car accident lawyer right away. They can use their knowledge of the law to uncover security camera footage and interview eyewitnesses, among other tactics, in order to reveal a responsible party’s identity.
- Take Photos
Taking photos of the accident scene is one of the most important things you can do after a car crash. This will help document the damage to your vehicle, as well as the scene of the accident and other factors that may have contributed to the accident.
It is important to take as many pictures as possible, including close-ups and wide shots. You will also want to take photos from different angles to provide a full overview of the accident site and damage. Ideally, you should take these photos as soon as possible after the crash, before any changes occur or traffic is cleared from the area.
If you are unable to take these photos because of your injuries, it is a good idea to ask another passenger or witness to do so for you. However, if you are so badly injured that you cannot move, you should prioritize seeking medical attention instead.
Pictures help document what happened in a way that is not easily forgotten. They can show damage to vehicles, road debris, skid marks, and more. Moreover, they can prove important details such as the time and date of the crash. For example, most modern cameras on smartphones have a built-in timer, allowing them to record the exact moment they were taken. This can be invaluable evidence for your case. Additionally, pictures can capture injuries that might not be immediately apparent, such as bruising or cuts that heal over time.
- Exchange Insurance Information
In many states, including New York, it is a legal requirement to exchange insurance information with the other driver or drivers involved in a car accident. You should get the name, address, phone number, insurance carrier and policy number for each person. However, if the other party is unwilling to cooperate and refuses to provide this information, this could be a red flag that they do not have insurance or their insurance does not cover your damages.
Getting the other driver’s insurance information is also important for filing an accident report. This documentation helps establish fault in a crash and will significantly aid your attorney in seeking compensation for your injuries and property damage.
While arguing with the other party may be tempting, it’s best to remain calm and collect this information. A frenzied argument will only escalte tensions and make the situation worse. In addition, you could say something that the other party will use against you in your claim.
If a driver is uncooperative, you should immediately call the police. They will be able to track them down and help you get the insurance information you need. It is also a good idea to get the contact information for any witnesses. Your attorney may need to speak with them later in the process to corroborate the details of the collision. Also, be sure to check your own insurance coverage to see if you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage in case the other driver is not insured.
- Notify Your Insurance Company
Being involved in a car accident is one of the most traumatic experiences you can experience. The first priority is to take care of any injuries you or your family members may have sustained, but it’s important that you also take other steps to protect your rights and legal interests. This includes notifying your insurance company and completing any required no-fault benefit forms.
If you’re able, you should call your insurance company as soon as possible after the accident, at least within 48 hours. You should be able to do this even if you are hospitalized or have difficulty getting to the scene of the crash. You should also check your policy to see if there is a specific time frame for when you must give notice of an accident.
During your phone conversation with your insurance agent, be as detailed as you can about the incident. This will help ensure that your account is accurate and preserves any evidence you might need in the future.
Be sure to provide the agent with your name, address, phone number and driver’s license number. It’s also a good idea to have the names and phone numbers of any witnesses present, if possible. This information will be incredibly helpful in the event you need to file a lawsuit over the accident later on. In addition, it can help your insurance company investigate the accident and determine fault if necessary.
- Contact an Attorney
Car accidents happen every day in the United States, and while many are just a minor inconvenience, some can leave victims with lasting injuries and costly damages. If you or someone you love has suffered serious bodily injuries and extensive property damage in a crash that wasn’t your fault, it may be important to seek the assistance of an attorney.
The first step is to ensure your safety. Check for any injuries and call 911 or the police if necessary. It’s also a good idea to get witness contact information, and to take pictures of the accident scene and any vehicles involved. Avoid speaking with the other driver or their insurance company, as admissions of guilt or blame can harm your case.
A seasoned auto accident attorney can help you gather and evaluate evidence, including medical records, the accident report, and other documents. He or she can also assist you with determining the value of your damages, both economic and non-economic. Economic damages can be more easily substantiated, such as lost income or medical expenses. Non-economic damages, on the other hand, can be more difficult to quantify and prove.
Finally, an attorney can serve as a protective shield against unscrupulous insurance companies who may attempt to shortchange you. Because insurance companies are businesses that focus on profit, their main objective is to minimize the amount of money they pay out in settlements. An experienced car accident lawyer can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf and protect you from making mistakes that could jeopardize your claim.