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.
