What should I do if I am injured in a car accident?
If you are injured in a car accident, there are several steps you should take to protect your legal rights:
1. Seek medical attention: The first and most important step is to seek medical attention for any injuries that you or your passengers have sustained. Even if you think your injuries are minor, it is important to get checked out by a doctor as some injuries, such as concussions, can have delayed onset symptoms.
2. Contact the police: Contact the police and report the accident. Provide as much information as possible, including the location of the accident, the number of vehicles involved, and any injuries.
3. Exchange information: Exchange information with the other driver(s) involved in the accident. This should include their name, address, phone number, insurance information, and driver's license number. If there were any witnesses to the accident, try to get their contact information as well.
4. Document the accident: Take photos of the damage to your vehicle, any injuries you or your passengers have sustained, and the accident scene as a whole. Write down any important details about the accident, such as the time, date, and weather conditions.
5. Notify your insurance company: Notify your insurance company of the accident as soon as possible. They will ask for details about the accident and may assign an adjuster to investigate.
6. Speak to an attorney: If you have sustained significant injuries, you may want to speak to an attorney. An attorney can help you determine your legal options and may be able to negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.
It is important to keep in mind that there are potential limitations and exceptions to the advice given. For example, if you are involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, your options for recovering damages may be more limited. Additionally, if you live in a no-fault state, you may be required to file a claim with your own insurance company regardless of who was at fault for the accident.
If you are unsure of what steps to take following a car accident, speaking with an attorney will ensure that you are taking the proper legal action to protect your interests.