The moments after a car accident are hectic. But it would help if you took the time to recall as many details of the crash as possible calmly.
It would help if you also tried to talk to any witnesses who might be nearby. Getting their statements can be very helpful in a claim case. Click the Duluth Car Accidents to learn more.
- Call the Police
Car accidents can be scary and stressful for everyone involved. It is important to stay calm and assess the situation as best you can in order to determine whether or not it is necessary to call the police. The key factors to consider are the extent of the damage to the vehicles and if any people are injured. It is also crucial to consider the actions of the other driver at the scene. For example, if a driver is refusing to give their insurance information, it may be a sign that they have something to hide. In any event, it is always better to err on the side of caution and call the police.
In addition to creating an official record of the accident, calling the police can help ensure that all the parties involved are taken care of. For example, if someone is injured or appears to be intoxicated, the police can help ensure that they get medical attention as soon as possible. Police can also direct traffic away from the accident site to prevent further collisions and road closures.
When talking to the police at the scene, it is important to remain calm and only provide the officer with the information they ask for. It is also important to remember that whatever you say to the officer could end up in your accident report. For this reason, it is important to only speak about the facts of what happened and avoid making any comments that could be used against you in your claim settlement or trial.
It is also a good idea to call the police even if there are no injuries or only minor damage. Sometimes, injuries do not appear right away or may manifest days or weeks after the accident. This is especially true of whiplash, which can take a while to manifest itself as pain in the neck and back. Reporting the accident to the police helps ensure that any injuries that do not immediately manifest can be documented and covered by your insurance.
Most police precincts keep copies of accident reports on file for 30 days. If it is convenient for you to go to the police station where your accident took place, you can retrieve a copy of the report there. Alternatively, you can visit the NYPD’s online portal to request a copy of your report.
- Exchange Information
Taking steps to exchange information with the other parties involved in your car accident is essential. This step is important to facilitating insurance claims, determining fault, and ultimately receiving a fair settlement for your damages.
As soon as you are safe, it is best to approach the other driver and ask them if they are okay. This is a courteous way to show empathy and create an atmosphere of cooperation. It is important to stay calm throughout the exchange process, as escalating tensions can make it more difficult for you to gather pertinent information. If another party is acting aggressively or threatening you, contact the police immediately and keep your distance.
During the exchange, be sure to collect the other driver’s name, address, and insurance policy number. If there were any witnesses, obtain their names and contact information as well. Also, take note of any defining characteristics about the vehicle like its color, specialized wheels or rims, decals, and window tinting.
In New York, the state law states that it is a mandatory requirement for drivers to exchange information at the scene of a crash. However, it is not uncommon for a negligent party to refuse to provide this information in order to avoid liability for the accident.
A refusal to provide this information can be a red flag that indicates the other party may be intoxicated, uninsured, or trying to hide something. This can complicate your claim and may even result in a costly fine for the other party.
It is crucial to report any accident to the police, even if it seems minor or no one is hurt. The official police report can help validate the details of your crash and assist you in getting the compensation you deserve. It can also protect you if the other driver tries to lie or hide evidence later on. If the other driver flees the scene before police arrive or refuses to provide their information, reach out to an experienced car accident attorney right away. They can use surveillance footage, eyewitness testimony, and other strategies to identify the responsible party, even if they have fled.
- Take Photos
Taking photos of the scene of your crash may help your attorney establish that your car accident occurred, as well as document your damages. Photos do not have to be of professional photographer quality, but they should be clear and represent the scene as it was at the time of your accident. It’s also important to capture a wide variety of shots, both close-ups and wider views.
Wide Shots Tell a Story
Pictures of the entire scene of your crash can help a jury understand how your accident happened. Wide shots can show the overall scene of the crash, as well as any relevant elements that contributed to your accident – such as lighting or road conditions. Close-ups are also helpful in establishing specific damage. These types of photos can make or break your case in proving the extent of your losses.
Be sure to photograph any skid marks or other evidence that can show how your accident unfolded. Similarly, capture any nearby landmarks, signs, or other relevant items that can help your lawyer prove your accident’s cause.
Ensure that your photos are captured as soon as possible after the crash, before any changes occur. Even the slightest difference in weather, traffic, or other factors can significantly change how the scene looked at the time of your accident. It is also recommended to use a camera with a time-stamp feature or a smartphone that automatically documents the date and time.
It’s also a good idea to take pictures of your injuries as soon as they happen. While you’re in pain and the details of your injuries are likely blurry, capturing these photos as soon as possible can help your lawyer prove how serious your injuries were.
Documenting the impact on your car and your injuries will help you secure a fair settlement for your claim. The right photos can demonstrate the full extent of your losses – including your property damage, lost wages and future earning capacity, and physical and emotional suffering. For this reason, you should take these photos as soon as possible after your crash and continue to document your injuries as they progress throughout treatment.
- File a Claim
Even minor fender-benders can cause injuries. If your car is damaged and you feel pain after the accident, it’s important to file a claim with an insurance company as soon as possible. This will help you get compensation for repair expenses and other damages. It’s a good idea to call the police as soon as you can, especially if the damage is severe. This will document the crash and ensure that all parties are protected in case a lawsuit becomes necessary. The police report will provide a detailed account of the crash, including information on all vehicles involved and what happened. Make sure to obtain the officer’s name and badge number, as well as any other relevant contact information.
Depending on what happened, your claim may require an insurance adjuster to visit the scene of the crash and interview you. Be polite, but avoid saying anything that could be construed as admitting fault. It’s also important to stick with the facts – don’t speculate or try to guess what happened. This can backfire, and the insurer may attempt to deny your claim.
If you’re a victim of a hit-and-run driver, it can be more complicated to get a fair settlement for your losses. In these cases, you’ll need to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. Depending on the circumstances, this may be done through your own car insurance company’s uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage.
Most car accidents are caused by negligence, meaning that the other driver failed to exercise reasonable care and caution on the road. This can include speeding, driving while distracted, failure to obey traffic laws, or drinking and driving. The injured victim must show that the other driver’s negligent actions caused their injuries and losses to receive a fair settlement from an insurance company.
A personal injury lawyer can help you determine the value of your damages and negotiate a fair settlement. They will look at medical records, hospital bills, lost wages and property damage to your vehicle. They will also seek out expert witnesses such as life care planners and economists to paint a complete picture of your losses.