Life can be challenging enough without having unexpected road accidents to contend with. There may be damaged vehicles and people needing medical attention, and bystanders asking if there is anything they can do.
Perhaps such an unfortunate event has just occurred in your life. You may be facing hospital bills and be currently off work while you receive medical help. It may be that you are wondering what to do and what to prioritize. If that’s the case, this article will provide you with some valuable guidance.
Involve A Lawyer
You may have a legal query about Workers’ Compensation if you were injured whilst working. Alternatively, it was a hit-and-run incident or the other party is denying responsibility. If the accident occurred through the negligence and carelessness of another, you may be able to submit a personal injury claim. The most successful legal cases are usually those that invoke the help of an attorney.
It’s often a good start to consult the internet when looking for a lawyer. A visit to https://horne.law/practice-areas/accidents/ reveals that people often need help with their property damage and medical bills. They also want to know how to file insurance claims and to be compensated for a loss of consortium. When personal injury lawyers restrict their number of clients, it helps them focus on their customers’ mental and physical needs and their claims for financial compensation.
Make Health A Priority
Both you and the other party/parties need to ensure you are not hurt. It’s common for people to develop whiplash or to become concussed following a road accident. Even if you feel unharmed, you should get checked out by a doctor as soon as possible. When your adrenaline reduces you may become more aware of pain, and some issues may need to be revealed by X-rays or scans.
If the emergency services are summoned, the Police will also attend. Their accident report would form part of your legal claim against the other person.
Clear The Road
Sadly, accidents can breed accidents. If there are cars stuck in the middle of the freeway this can generate sudden traffic queues and distractions for other motorists.
It’s important that the damaged vehicles are safely relocated to the side of the road, along with any debris from the cars.
Take The Other Person’s Details
As has already been stated, some medical issues don’t manifest until later. This makes it all the more important to take the other party’s information whether the accident was major or minor. You’ll need to record the person’s license plate number (and the car model and make) and to ask who owns the involved vehicle. It’s important to obtain their driving license details, too.
Take down the other party’s name, address, and phone number. You’ll also need their insurance details to tell your insurance company later.
Approach Any Witnesses
If anyone saw the car accident, their account of events could be crucial for your personal injury claim.
Some people may be prepared to be recorded by a smartphone, in which case you could request a verbal statement on the spot. Be sure to take their contact details too, so a lawyer can approach them for more information if required.
Take Accident Photos
Either you or someone with you could do this. Whilst putting safety first, it’s important to photograph all the vehicles involved, especially identifying the parts that have become damaged.
Also capture the license plates, road debris, and distinguishing characteristics of the location (eg road signs, trees, etc.).
Behave Wisely At The Accident Scene
It is important to discuss what has happened with the other involved parties and witnesses. Having said that, no blame should be apportioned and no retribution should be sought as this could compromise your claim.
If you apologize for something (whether it was your fault or not) the other party’s insurance company could use this against you when trying to reduce or reject your claim.
Contact Your Insurance Company
They will need to be immediately advised as to what has happened, so they can create a claim. It may be that your vehicle needs to be towed away or repaired, in which case they will tell you how to proceed. They will also request your account of the incident, as well as photos and diagrams to substantiate your claim.
Hopefully, you will make a full recovery and receive a fair settlement figure if someone else was responsible. In turn, you will be able to proceed with your life, having gained justice with the help of a legal professional.