When it comes to our everyday lives, there is always a right way and a wrong way to go about things. This applies to how we behave in our marriages and families, jobs, and social activities. This principle is also true when it comes to handling traffic accidents. Some people display angry and aggressive behavior, whilst others seek to avoid all the issues. If you have been involved in a traffic accident, it’s paramount that you know your rights and you behave responsibly, so as not to jeopardize the final outcome. If another party was the cause of the accident you may be able to claim financial compensation.
With The Advice And Support Of A Professional
People who know little about the law and who are nursing injuries can be very vulnerable during legal claims. It’s therefore wise to harness the knowledge and experience of a qualified professional right from the start. If you are involved in a car accident you may need a legal advocate to fight for you against a reluctant insurance company. You may also need advice on receiving specialist medical treatment and paying the bills while you are unable to work. Added to that you may carless because your vehicle is wrecked or needing repair.
With Strategic Conversation
The moment the incident has happened you may find yourself in discussion with the other party involved in the crash. They may or may not be willing to accept liability. Even if it was your fault you should leave such confessions to conversations between you and your lawyer.
What you will need to do is obtain the other party’s:
- Name, address, and phone number
- Car make, model, color, and ownership details
- VIN (Vehicle Registration Number)
- Insurance details
With Reinforcements
If people witnessed the whole thing and are willing to provide a statement, take their contact details so they can be later contacted by your lawyer.
There are a number of criteria that require everyone to stay at the accident scene until the Police arrive. They would then formulate a report, so be sure you take their name and contact details so you can later request a copy.
With Photographic Evidence after a traffic accident
This could also support your legal claim for compensation. For this reason, you should take pictures of all the cars that were involved (including the damage sustained). Don’t forget to include the license plates so that no one can deny that it was their vehicle.
If the quality of the road has any bearing upon your claim, take photos of this too. It could be that the road was poorly maintained (potholes, loose gravel, and stones) or low visibility (lack of lighting, untended overhanging trees, etc.).
With Health As Your Top Priority
It’s important to resist any tendency to dismiss the incident as ‘too minor’ or to rush back to work if you are busy. Be sure to get checked out by a doctor as soon as possible. In some extreme cases, people haven’t realized they have sustained a potentially fatal brain bleed.
Where people are noticeably injured someone should call the paramedics. Longer-term you may have a doctor and a specialist’s report discussing your medical diagnosis. They may request further investigations involving X-rays, CT, and MRI scans. You may book private MRI scans to receive your result early and have the right diagnosis to treat your injuries quickly. Go to this page to know more about these imaging tests.
With Limited Communication
The other party’s insurance company will be looking for any possible loophole in your claim. For this reason, you should only communicate via your lawyer, and never agree to provide them with a verbal (and therefore unrehearsed) statement.
You also need to be wise as to who you discuss the accident with because some people are subpoenaed to give evidence. Don’t put an accident statement on social media: it could be used against you by the other insurance company if there is any discrepancy with your original version.
With Respect For Your Lawyer’s Advice
If the other party offers an early settlement, your lawyer may counsel you to reject it. This is because as much as you may be desperate for the money, initial offers are often lower than requested.
By far and away the safest way to traverse a traffic accident is by using the wisdom of a legal professional. They can put together your claim, deal with all the parties and fight for justice – in court if needs be. In return, you would be given the space to focus on your physical rehabilitation and rebuilding your life.