What to Do After an Auto Collision
Posted: Saturday, October 06, 2007
by Rainier Policarpio
http://www.mesrianilaw.com
Auto collisions pose
significant danger on the traffic condition in the United States’ highly
urbanized areas such as in California. These prevailing threats have been
considered as the leading causes of serious physical injuries and fatalities
among the motorists and pedestrians. Every year, around five million vehicular
accidents occur killing at least 40,000 people and injuring even more. Thus, it
is highly advisable to know the basic steps on how to deal with these untoward
incidents.
If you were able to get out
of the vehicle and did not sustain any serious injuries, try to follow these
things:
-
Report the
accident to the police.
-
Do not admit any
fault or liability.
-
Get the names,
addresses and contact information of the possible witnesses as well as of the
other driver or vehicle owner.
-
Identify the
license number and insurance policy information of the other driver who hit
your automobile.
-
If possible,
take some photographs from the accident scene including the damaged portions of
your vehicle, your injuries incurred like bruises and wounds, the surroundings
as well as any other small details that may serve as evidences in your future
filing of charges.
-
Get medical
attention immediately for proper documentation of your possible injury.
In the next two to four
days, you should then do these:
-
Consult an auto
collision lawyer for proper assessment of your case. Let him determine what
legal actions you should pursue to obtain justice.
-
Do not talk to
the other party’s insurance company about matters regarding the auto collision
and your sustained injuries. Telling them the details of what has transpired
may not be favorable for you.
-
Have your
vehicle out of the storage area and pay for it for the mean time not later than
four days. You may reimburse the cost from the other party.
-
Have further
medical examinations from experts such as Chiropractors, Neurologists,
Orthopedic doctors and Physical therapist. Their findings may serve as vital
evidences for your injuries.
-
Note down all
the things that happened in the accident including its effects in your life and
property. This will help you be more familiar on the incident and will give you
more credibility with your statements when the court trial starts.
-
Keep “all” the
records and receipts you have gathered since the occurrence of the accident and
present it to your auto collision lawyer.
After doing these things,
ask your legal counsel to file the case as soon as he has already done his
evaluation and other preparation. A claim case is normally covered by the
statutes of limitations that prevent you from filing charges after certain
period has already elapsed. The actual litigation proceedings usually take at
least a year before the judge announce his verdict but it is worth it because
of the recoveries that you may acquire.
We have qualified California
Auto Collision Lawyers who can expertly handle your cases concerning
auto accidents. Visit our website for more information concerning our
legal services.