How to Protect your Rights After a Car Crash
Car crashes are always a scary, unexpected experience that can occur anytime you get behind the wheel of your vehicle. On average, there are approximately 40,000 fatal car accidents per year in the United States. Given this high number of car accidents, it is important to be educated on the proper steps to ensure you are protected and increase your chances of recovering maximum compensation.
1 Stop and check for injuries
First and foremost, pull over to a safe area and evaluate yourself and the vehicle occupants for any injuries. Dial 911 to get EMS on the scene to address any injuries as soon as possible.
2 Call the police
Even if there are no injuries, it is still in your best interest to call the police. It’s important to ensure there is a proper police report as legal evidence documenting the accident. Additionally, a police report may help bolster your case that the other driver was responsible for the accident.
3 Document the scene
Capture pictures of any injuries or property damage that occurred at the scene of the crash.
4 Exchange information
While you might want to hash out the details of the crash with the other driver, it is best to limit your interaction so you don’t admit guilt or blame the other person. These words may later be used against you to establish negligence, even if you were not the one at fault. Still, you will want to get as much information as you can, including:
- Driver and passenger names
- License plate numbers
- Insurance info
- Makes and models of all vehicles involved
- Contact info for any eyewitnesses
- Location of the accident
- The name and badge number of any responding police officers
5 Report your claim
Call your insurance company to notify them of the crash. Often, insurance companies want to take a recorded statement immediately after an accident. It is important that you consult with an attorney prior to providing such a statement.
6 Maximize your compensation
Perhaps the most important thing you should do soon after a car crash is to consult an experienced personal injury attorney. Our primary goals at Chapel Law Group is to (1) Reimburse your out-of-pocket medical expenses; and (2) put some extra money in your pocket to compensate you for your pain and suffering. Our firm has handled hundreds of personal injury cases and we know how to properly evaluate your claim. We will protect your rights and make sure insurance companies do not take advantage of you.