Thousands of automobile collisions happen each year, resulting in minor "fender benders," with little or no injuries, to multi-car-pile-ups, with severe injuries or death. Automobile collisions, whether they be minor or major, can have life changing consequences. With that being said, if you are involved in an automobile collision, you should consult with a lawyer to protect your rights.
An automobile collision takes only a matter of seconds to occur, and you should act quickly to protect yourself. Once a collision occurs, you should do the following, if able:
· Pull your vehicle to the side of the road, with your flashers on
· Check to make sure that no one else is injured
· Call an ambulance for medical attention
· Call the police to make a report, and help exchange insurance information
· Take pictures of the scene, vehicles, and injuries
Throughout an accident, treatment, etc., you should keep complete and accurate records to help resolve your automobile collision claim as smoothly and quickly as possible. Information that you help preserve at the time of the collision, or shortly thereafter, may help when legal issues arise at a later time. In addition, many insurance companies now have applications that can be used on your cellular device, to help assist you in preserving accident information. For a start, here is a list of information that you should try to obtain once an automobile collision has occurred:
· Exchange names, addresses, telephone numbers, and insurance information with the other driver
· Obtain the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of any witnesses
· Do not discuss the accident with the other driver involved or any potential witness
· Write down the facts surrounding the incident, such as time, place, date, location, and weather conditions
· If the police are called, stay at the scene until the responding officer tells you that you can leave
· Call your insurance agent and report the collision
· Call an attorney if you are injured
The best thing to do once an automobile collision occurs, is to talk to your insurance agent and an attorney. Remember that Davis & Davis offers free consultations for automobile collisions! We would be happy to assist you in your case, and let you know about the rights that you have. Please call our office for a free consultation today!