How to Protect Your Rights After a Car Accident

Car crashes happen to everyone. You can do everything right and still end up the victim of a serious wreck. According to a study cited by Forbes Magazine, drivers nationwide are involved in an average of four accidents over the course of their lifetime. As car crashes remain an ever-present threat, it is essential that all drivers know how to effectively protect their legal rights. Here are four things to do after a traffic collision.

Stop Your Vehicle, Report the Crash, and Exchange Information

With a car accident, the very first thing you need to do is stop your vehicle and move it out of harm’s way. Although the car accident laws vary somewhat from state to state, every single jurisdiction in the United States shares an important commonality: Drivers have a legal duty to stop their vehicle and remain at the scene of a crash. Leaving the scene of the accident will completely change the situation. If you caused the accident, you could likely be cited for a traffic infraction if you were speeding, ran a red light, failed to yeild to the person who held the right of way, etc. However, if you leave the scene of the accident just to avoid a possible ticket, what more than likely would have been a minor traffic infraction just became a misdemenor or even a felony in many stqtes. However, if you or someone else is seriously injured, you should definatley not wait to seek medical attention. This is the first thing you should be considering. Call 911 to get medical assistance rather than trying to drive yourself or walk to medical help if at all possible. You should only leave the scene of an accident prematurely to seek emergency medical care. To be clear, emergency medical needs always come first.

Serious injuries—generally defined as crashes resulting in any injuries or in significant property damages—should be reported to the police. An officer will be sent to the scene of the collision to help get control of things. While there, the officer will also record information and write a preliminary crash report. As a driver, it is important to gather your own information. Get the names and personal information of other drivers, record vehicle information, and take photographs. Getting photographs is something many people forget to do after a crash. Don't rely on anyone else for this, make sure you have your own evidence of the damage. Trying to get this later will not be easy or nearly as useful.

Seek Attention from a Doctor If You are Injured

As noted previously, nothing comes before a medical emergency. If you or your passenger suffered a serious injury, emergency medical care is a must. Beyond that, all other non-emergency injuries should be evaluated by a trusted health care professional. One of the challenges of car crashes is that injuries are not always readily apparent. Brain injuries, back injury, soft tissue damage, and many other common motor vehicle accident injuries occur with a gradual onset. Don't let the adreneline rush after a crash fool you into thinking you're 100% ok. Even if you feel that way initially, often the pain of injury is masked for a while immidiately following a crash. Get checked out to be sure.

Get Help From an Experienced Car Accident Attorney

Car accident claims are complicated. You need money to pay for vehicle repairs/replacement, pay for your medical care, cover any lost wages, and account for your pain and suffering. Sadly, it is not always easy for people to get the car accident compensation that they deserve. Do not go through the claim all alone. Protect your rights: Contact a lawyer as soon as possible after an automobile accident. An experienced attorney can answer your questions, explain the steps, and take action to ensure you get the maximum available financial support. They will do their own investigation into how the accident happened, causes, effects of the crash, etc. Don't try to navigate the legal side of a car accident without a professional in your corner. Most accident lawyers don't charge fees unless they win your case anyway so there is very little risk in contacting an injury lawyer to see if they can help you through this challenging time. You'll be surprised at just how accomodating they can be & how much stress an accident lawyer will take off your shoulders after being in an accident.

Know that the Insurance Company is Not on Your Side

Finally, it is important to emphasize that the insurance company—especially another driver’s insurer—is not on your side. They are building a defense. You cannot rely on any insurer, even your own policy provider, for guidance. You should schedule a consultation with a top car accident attorney before you talk to your insurance company. Your lawyer will ensure that your rights are fully protected during every stage of the claims process.