10 Things You Must Know if You Are Ever in a Car Accident - There are an alarming number of car accidents each year ranging from minor fender benders to fatal collisions. Many people who have never been in an accident believe that it will never happen to them, but if or when it does people need to be aware of what needs to be done. Below is a list of the top ten things you must know if you are ever in a car accident.
10 Things You Must Know if You Are Ever in a Car Accident
By David Pearson
Dec 2, 2011 - 4:15:23 PM
There are an alarming number of car accidents each year ranging from minor fender benders to fatal collisions. Many people who have never been in an accident believe that it will never happen to them, but if or when it does people need to be aware of what needs to be done. Below is a list of the top ten things you must know if you are ever in a car accident.
1. 911. It may seem that no one has been hurt and your car is fine, but even so, the police need to be called. Things need to be done that you may not realize right away or because you may not be thinking clearly after a crash. The police need to create an accident report and they will need to ensure that the road is safe for other drivers.
2. Get Medical Attention. Do not wait; it is important that you are checked out by a medical professional even if you do not believe you are hurt. It is possible to have serious internal injuries and not immediately realize it. If you are injured, no matter how minor you think it may be, you should be checked by a medical professional as soon as possible to find out the extent of the injuries.
3. When? Where? Conditions? Ask yourself these questions and write down the answers; what time (when) did the accident take place? Exactly where did the accident occur? What were the conditions of the roads? Were the conditions poor (as in icy) due to the weather were there unavoidable obstructions such as in a construction area?
4. Collect Information: It is important that information is gathered by all parties in an accident. Gather the contact information of the people involved in the accident and witnesses to the accident. Collect the insurance information and license plate numbers of all parties involved in the accident. It is important to gather as much information as possible in the event anyone involved with the accident provides false or misleading facts or details about themselves or what caused the accident.
5. It May Not Be Your Fault: Do not take blame until you know the facts. Even if you think you may be at fault you could be wrong. There may be witnesses to the accident who saw the other driver was distracted, such as texting while driving, which could be the actual cause of the accident.
6. Legal Assistance: Contact an attorney regarding the facts of the accident before speaking to the other parties’ insurance company or attorney. You do not want
them twisting your words; do not discuss the collision with a representative from any other party until you have your own legal representation.
7. Report: It is important to file an accident report with the state in which the accident occurred. This process can be assisted by your legal representation.
8. Do not answer questions from the other party's attorney or insurance company: They do not have your best interest in mind. You should only speak to the law enforcement division handling the investigation and your attorney. The other party's attorney is looking out for their client and their insurance company is looking out for their money.
9. Your Insurer: Even your own insurance company can wait until after you have contacted your attorney, but make sure you contact them within the time allotted by your insurance policy and provisions. This will not be an issue if you contact an attorney shortly after the accident
10. Settlements: Do not accept a settlement offer until you have consulted with your attorney! Keep in mind that most insurance companies do not have your best interest at heart. Their goal is to pay you the least amount of money possible in order to settle your claim for damages and/or injuries. Their initial offer may appear fair and feel like quick money, but you could get much more by waiting and contacting your attorney first!
So, if you are ever in a car accident, remembering these simple rules could save time, money and headaches.
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