When it comes to car accidents, there are a lot of things that go into determining who is at fault and how the accident should be handled.
If you are involved in a road accident, it is important to know what to do in order to protect yourself and ensure that everything is handled properly.
So, read on if you want to know the legal view on how to properly handle a serious road accident.
Gather Information
The first thing that you need to do after a road accident is to gather information. This includes exchanging insurance information with the other driver and getting the contact information of any witnesses.
Their accounts could be crucial in helping to determine who is at fault for the accident. You should also take pictures of the damage to both vehicles as well as any injuries that you or your passengers have sustained.
If the police are called to the scene, be sure to get a copy of the accident report.
In addition, you should not admit fault for the accident to anyone at the scene, as this could come back to bite you later on.
Let the insurance companies and law enforcement sort out who is actually at fault.
Consider Hiring A Lawyer
If the accident was serious and you have sustained injuries, you may want to consider hiring a lawyer.
They will be able to help you navigate the legal process and get the compensation that you deserve.
Namely, they can help you file a personal injury lawsuit against the other driver if they were at fault for the accident.
This is something that you should not try to do on your own, as it can be very complicated.
Namely, an experienced slip and fall lawyer in Folsom says that you should generally not sign anything from the other driver’s insurance company without first consulting with an attorney.
Oftentimes, these insurance companies will try to get you to settle for less than you deserve. A lawyer will also be able to negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf.
In a serious accident, you may also want to consider filing a police report. This can be helpful in getting the other driver’s insurance company to pay for your damages.
The police report will document the facts of the accident and will help to establish who was at fault.
Handle Your Insurance Claim
Even if you don’t hire an attorney, you will still need to deal with your insurance company.
If the accident was serious, they will likely send an adjuster to assess the damage and determine how much they are willing to pay.
It is important to keep in mind that insurance companies are businesses and their goal is to make money.
So, don’t be afraid to negotiate with them in order to get the best possible settlement. You can also hire a public adjuster to help you with this process.
Moreover, you should never give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company without first consulting with an attorney. This is because anything you say could be used against you in the future.
Receive Medical Treatment
If you have been injured in a road accident, it is important to receive medical treatment as soon as possible.
This will not only help you recover from your injuries but will also create a paper trail that can be used to support your personal injury claim.
Be sure to keep all of your medical records and receipts, as you will need them when it comes time to file a claim.
In addition, if your injuries are serious, you may need to miss work in order to recover. This can put a financial strain on you and your family.
As such, you may be entitled to receive compensation for lost wages as part of your personal injury claim. Your attorney can help you recover these damages.
Coverage For Vehicle Repairs
In most cases, your insurance company will cover the cost of repairs to your vehicle. However, if the other driver was at fault for the accident, their insurance company should be responsible for the repairs.
If you have collision coverage, your deductible will apply and you may have to pay out of pocket for some of the repairs.
Also, if your vehicle is totaled in the accident, you will need to work with your insurance company to get a fair settlement.
This is because they will only pay you what the vehicle is worth, not what you actually paid for it. For a luxury vehicle, this can be a big difference.
While no one ever wants to be involved in a car accident, it is important to know how to handle one if it does happen.
By following the steps above, you can protect yourself and ensure that everything is handled properly.
If you have any further questions, be sure to consult with an attorney. They will be able to advise you on what to do next. Thank you for reading!
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