Experiencing a collision in your vehicle will never be something your body is used to feeling. The experience is always shocking and discombobulating, but having a good understanding of your legal rights and boundaries will help you keep your wits about you a little more efficiently.
Take a little pressure off of yourself, preemptively, and delve into the various laws and legal rights you must follow in the event of a car accident. Here is a brief look at some of the specifics to get you started on your journey to enlightenment.
You can move your vehicle
Too often, drivers think moving their vehicle after an accident will somehow nullify their insurance claim or get them in trouble with local authorities. However, you are well within your legal rights to move your vehicle to a safer place after an accident.
If your vehicle is operational, authorities would actually prefer you get it out of the way of traffic to avoid further injuries. You will help clear up traffic by moving out of the way as well.
Never admit fault on the scene
It’s never a good idea to admit that you are at fault in an accident. Even if you do believe the accident was your fault, it’s best to keep quiet. Let the professionals decide fault, and let the insurance companies hash out the details.
If you admit fault on the scene, you could possibly undermine any chance you may have at future compensation for the damages and injuries you suffer. Focus on everyone’s safety and collecting information on the scene instead.
Call a lawyer if you are injured
If you’re injured in a car accident that was not your fault, it’s wise to make contact with a car accident lawyer in your area. Having legal representation gives you a better chance of having the bill covered for your injuries.
If someone hurts you, you are legally protected. Don’t allow yourself to struggle, when you have a viable personal injury claim.
Gather detail info at the scene
There will be an investigation of your accident done for insurance purposes, and you can help the process along by collecting certain information while you’re still on the scene of your accident.
Use your smartphone to take quality pictures of the vehicles and individuals involved in the wreck. Talk to everyone involved, and gather names, numbers, and insurance information, so there’s no snag in communication when you file an insurance claim.
Document everything possible
Start the documentation process while you’re still on the scene of the accident, but don’t stop there. If you go to the hospital, make sure the professionals know the nature of your injuries. Doctors have particular documentation regimens for patients who experienced a car accident.