Auto accidents can happen to anyone. You can protect your legal rights by taking the right steps after an accident occurs. The following list summarizes some of the steps you should take if involved in an auto accident.
1
DO Aid the Injured
If someone is injured, give first aid if you are qualified and call for an ambulance. Remember to make note of the location of the accident before you call for an ambulance. Tell the ambulance dispatcher the name and number of the street as well as the direction in which the cars were traveling at the time of the accident.
2
DO Stop Your Car
If your car is involved in an accident and you don’t stop, you may be subject to criminal charges. Leave your car as close as possible to the place of impact without blocking traffic. To avoid additional collisions, raise the hood of your car and put your hazard warning lights on. If the accident occurs at night, place flares or reflectors on the road.
3
DO Call the Police
A police report of the accident will aid your insurance claim and any liability claims. Note the officer’s name and badge number, and ask the officer how to obtain a copy of the accident report. If you do receive a traffic ticket, it does not mean you are guilty of a traffic offense or that you are responsible for the accident. Pleading guilty though, could very well hurt your claim for damages from the other driver. Consult your lawyer and insurance agent before pleading guilty to any traffic offense.
4
DO Exchange Information with the Other Driver
Exchange information with the driver of the other car. You should get the following information:
* Other driver’s name, address, phone number, driver’s license number, name of insurance company and policy number.
* Passenger’s name, address and phone number.
* Witnesses’ name, address and phone number.
* Owner’s (if not the driver) name, address, phone number, insurance company and policy number.
5
DO Get Medical Attention Right Away
Even if you feel O.K., the longer you delay seeing a doctor, the less documentation you have of your accident. It is best to go straight to the emergency room. It is likely that even if you don’t hurt at the scene, you will begin to “stiffen up” within an hour or two after the accident. It's never a bad idea to be checked out by medical professionals because it's better to be safe, than sorry.....
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