Do you know what to do in the aftermath of a car accident to prevent further injuries, reduce costs and accelerate the clean-up and repair process?
The Consumer Protection Association of America is increasing public awareness on this subject by developing a list of suggestions to help drivers anticipate what they need to know about dealing with an accident. The US had more than 6.3 million car accident reports in 1998; just short of a third of these accidents left people injured. There were almost 42,000 killed on America’s roadways in 2001. Understanding what to do following an carc accident and can result in minimizing injuries and costs associated with repair, as well as potentially save lives.
These are the steps to follow if you are vault in an auto accident.
Car Accident Preparedness Plan:
1. Emergency Kit. You should carry your cell phone. There are apps available that help you take important notes that you will need following a car accidents. Even without these fancy apps, you can use the camera and the notes feature on any cell phone to take copious notes regarding people involved, the witnesses, and to show damages and injuries by way of photograph.
2. Safety First. Move your car to the side of the road if the accident is minor and there are no injuries. If there are injuries, stay in the car until help arrives. Turn on your hazard lights and use warning triangles or other safety items if available.
3. Exchange Information. Exchange names, addresses, phone numbers, insurance companies, policy numbers, driver license numbers and license plate numbers. Do not apologize; this may be interpreted as an admission of guilt.
4. Photograph the Accident Scene. Take as many pictures as you physically can.
5. File An Accident Report. As a law-enforcement officer was not present to write an accident report, drivers should file a state vehicle accident report. You can get these at police stations and often on the Department of Motor Vehicles Web site as a downloadable file. This typically helps insurance companies speed up the claims process.
Car Accident Damages
Who will pay for the damages? You and the other drivers may decide to handle the damages yourselves without insurance if the wreck was minor. This is not advisable. If the other person thinks that the quote for damages it’s too hot, you will have a more difficult time filing a claim with the insurance company.
The other person might also decide to reported to his or her insurance company and even claimed injuries were sustained. This can leave you vulnerable to a hefty lawsuit. Tell your insurance company. If the repairs or small enough, they may not even raise your rates.
Car accidents are scary into emotional toll on all those involved. Chances are you will be involved in a minor accident. Just keep your head and make safety your primary concern. You’ll have plenty of time to deal with the consequences later.
If you are seriously injured in an auto accident, contact an experienced car accident lawyer.