Expert Advice When You Need It Most
Posted about 3 years ago. Applies to Connecticut, 1 helpful vote, 0 comments
1
At the SceneFirst and foremost is SAFETY! You are not required to leave your car exactly where it came to rest if you are in an unsafe position on the road. If your car is drivable, move it slowly out of harm's way. Stay in your car if you can move it to a safe position. If your car is not drivable and is in a dangerous spot, determine if you can safely get to a safe spot by walking or running to safety. If you are badly injured, it may be safest to stay in your car and wait for help. Don't worry about talking to the other driver or looking at the damage. Staying in your car is the safe way to go. 2
Call 911!Before you do anything else, call for help. You will first be asked the location of your accident so look for a cross street, exit sign or other identifier. You will be asked if anyone is hurt. If you are unsure (you may be okay, but others at the scene may be hurt) say so. If your are injured, play it safe and ask for an ambulance. Report all accidents involving injuries or property damage to the police before you leave the scene. 3
Prepare Your Paperwork.If you are uninjured, you should take a deep breath and get your license, registration, and insurace card together for the police. If you are in a safe position, stay in your car. Do not get out and look at the damage and do not worry about speaking to the other drivers. 4
Talking to the PoliceIt is often the case that the driver involved in an accident is shaken up and in a poor position to make an accurate statement about what happened. It is best to limit your statement as much s possible to what you are sure of. Do not guess, speculate or estimate. Unless you know for sure, do not comment on your speed or location on the roadway. It may be best to provide more details after the accident when the emotions are calmed down and things are clearer. If there is a possibility that you are intoxicated, or that your driving conduct may otherwise expose you to criminal liability, you may wish to speak with your lawyer before making any statement to the police. If you have a cell phone, call the Connecticut Bar Association Lawyer referral line to be referred to a criminal attorney. (860)223-4400. 5
Reporting the Accident to an InsurerIf the accident potentially involves injuries or death, you should consult an attorney BEFORE reporting the accident to your insurer. You are not obligated to provide a statement to the other drivers' insurer and should not do so. It is common practice for insurers to record telephone interviews. You are not required to allow the insurer to record a statement and talking off the top of your head is a bad idea. Work with your attorney to create an accurate written statement for your insurer when all the facts are in front of you. Remember, just because people say they are not inured at the scene does not mean there won't be a lawsuit later. It is not unusual for injuries to become apparent later. Your attorney can advise you about how to meet your obligations to cooperate with your insurer. 6
Hire an Experienced LawyerDo your homework and hire the right lawyer. Call the lawyer as soon as possible after the accident occurs. Make sure the lawyer is experienced. Ask questions such as how many jury trials the lawyer has completed to verdict. Check out their Avvo rating and consider lawyers with a 10.0/10 superb rating. In serious accidents, the lawyer may want to send an accident reconstruction expert to the scene to document what happened. For Connecticut and Massachusetts accidents, you may call our firm, Raymond & Bennett 860-633-0580 and see if we are a good fit for you. If not we can refer you to other appropriate counsel for your case. 7
The Scene and Your Car Are Evidence, Protect it !If your injuries are not serious, consider taking some pictures and making notes using your cell phone. Remember to take photographs of your car before it is repaired even if it is towed somewhere for repair, or if it is totaled. 8
Document Your DamagesIf you are in the hospital or recuperating at home, your legal case will be greatly enhanced if you have photographs. Have a family member call a lawyer right away so your damages can be properly documented. It all counts, mileage, parking at the hospital, toll calls made due to the accident. I recommend getting a notebook from the supermarket and track everything there. Don't worry about how it is organized, the important thing is to write it down while you still remember. Get a large file folder with an attached elastic and put all your records in there. If you don’t document everything, you may lose out on hundreds or thousands of dollars. Again, don’t worry about how it is organized, just get all receipts and other documents in there. Related Questions1 Attorney answers: 
Asked by a user in Naugatuck, CT - about 3 years ago. 1 Attorney answers: 
Asked by a user in Connecticut - almost 3 years ago. 1 Attorney answers: 
Asked by a user in Stratford, CT - over 2 years ago. Find Defective & Dangerous Products LawyersRelated Searches |