Car Accidents: What to Do and What to Avoid

Car accidents can be a traumatic experience, both physically and emotionally. If you are involved in a car accident, it is important to know what to do and what to avoid.

What to Do After a Car Accident

1. Check for injuries. If you or anyone else https://ordinarylaw.com/ involved in the accident is injured, call 911 immediately. Even if your injuries seem minor, it is important to get checked out by a medical professional.

2. Move your car to a safe location. If possible, move your car to the side of the road or to a parking lot. This will help to prevent further accidents.

3. Exchange information with the other driver(s) involved in the accident. This information should include your name, address, phone number, insurance information, and license plate number.

4. File a police report. Even if the accident seems minor, it is important to file a police report. This will document the accident and could be helpful if you need to file an insurance claim.

5. Take pictures of the damage to your car and the scene of the accident. These pictures can be used as evidence if you need to file an insurance claim or lawsuit.

6. Contact your insurance company. File an insurance claim as soon as possible after the accident. This will help to get your car repaired and to cover any medical expenses that you incurred.

What to Avoid After a Car Accident

1. Do not admit fault. Even if you think that you may be at fault for the accident, do not admit it to the other driver or to the police. This could make it more difficult to file an insurance claim or lawsuit.

2. Do not sign anything without reading it first. If the other driver or an insurance representative asks you to sign anything, be sure to read it carefully first. Do not sign anything that you do not understand.

3. Do not post anything about the accident on social media. Social media posts can be used as evidence against you in an insurance claim or lawsuit.

Conclusion

If you are involved in a car accident, it is important to know what to do and what to avoid. By following the tips above, you can help to protect your rights and interests.

Additional Tips

• If you are injured in a car accident, keep detailed records of all your medical expenses and lost wages. These records can be used to support your insurance claim or lawsuit.
• If you have to miss work due to your injuries, be sure to get a doctor’s note. This will help to support your claim for lost wages.
• If you are dealing with an insurance company, be persistent and don’t give up. Insurance companies often try to lowball their customers on claims. If you are not satisfied with the offer that you receive, be prepared to negotiate.
• If you are unable to resolve your claim with the insurance company, you may need to file a lawsuit. Be sure to consult with an experienced car accident lawyer to discuss your options.