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A car accident can be traumatic in terms of personal injury or vehicle damage. However, you can quickly begin to manage the resulting issues by handling the legal aspects at the scene of the crash. Address the legal aspects of the situation to keep the situation under control.
Notify Local Law Enforcement
Getting into a car accident can be an emotionally and financially draining situation. It’s important to know what you should do in the immediate aftermath of a car accident so that you can protect yourself and your car. One decision you’ll likely have to make is whether or not to call the police after the accident. Let’s take a look at when it makes sense to call the cops after an auto collision.
When You Should Call the Police
In general, it’s always best practice to call the police if anyone was injured or if there was significant damage caused by the accident. The police will document all of the details of the collision and issue any necessary citations, which can be incredibly helpful when filing insurance claims or dealing with legal issues down the road. If necessary, they will also be able to provide medical assistance or help direct traffic around your vehicle until it can be moved out of harm’s way.
You should also consider calling the police if you think that either party was driving under the influence (DUI) at the time of the accident, as this could lead to criminal charges for both parties involved. Additionally, if either driver flees from the scene before exchanging information with the other, this is considered a hit-and-run and local law enforcement should be contacted immediately.
When You Don’t Need To Call The Police
In some cases, it may not be necessary to call law enforcement after an auto accident. This may be true if no one was injured and both drivers are able to agree on a fault without dispute. In these situations, exchanging contact information and taking pictures of any visible damage might suffice as evidence in an insurance claim or civil case against another driver—but only if all parties involved are in agreement about who was at fault and how much money needs to change hands between them. That being said, it’s still recommended that all parties involved err on side of caution by calling law enforcement just in case something changes later on down the line—better safe than sorry!
Overall, understanding when it makes sense (and when it doesn’t) to call law enforcement after a car accident is key for protecting yourself from potential legal issues or financial losses due to an uninsured motorist or false accusations against you by another driver. While every situation is different if there has been any serious property damage or injury inflicted during an auto collision then contacting local authorities should always be your first priority after ensuring everyone’s safety following such an event. Hopefully, this article has given you some insight into when calling 911 is most appropriate following a collision between two vehicles!
Contact Your Auto Insurance Agent
Get in touch with your auto insurance agent to report the accident, even if you don’t think it’s your fault. The insurance company will launch its own investigation and put the company on notice that a legal case might be pending that could require a payout. This could apply if the other driver who caused the accident is uninsured, as the costs and losses from the accident will need to be covered.
Consult a Traffic Accident Attorney
A car accident can be a stressful, even traumatic experience. In the aftermath of such an event, it is important to know when and why you should contact an attorney. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed and confused after a car accident, but with the right information, you can make informed decisions on your legal options. Let’s break down what to look out for and when you should consider contacting a car accident lawyer.
When To Contact An Attorney
The answer to this question depends on the severity of the accident, who was involved, and whether or not criminal charges have been filed against anyone. If you have been injured in any way during the accident—whether it be physical injuries or damage to your vehicle—you may want to seek legal advice from an experienced attorney. This is especially true if the other party involved in the accident does not have insurance or does not have enough coverage for all parties involved. Additionally, if there is a dispute regarding who was at fault for the accident, then it is wise to consult with an attorney before making any decisions or signing any documents.
Why You Should Contact An Attorney
If you are considering filing a personal injury claim or suing another party as a result of a car accident, then contacting an attorney should be one of your first steps. An experienced attorney that specializes in personal injury will be able to provide invaluable insight into how best handle your case and ensure that your rights are protected throughout the process. A lawyer can also help protect you from insurance companies who may try to take advantage of you in order to minimize their financial responsibility in covering damages resulting from the accident.
In conclusion, contacting an experienced attorney after a car accident can be beneficial for many reasons—such as helping protect your rights and ensuring that you receive adequate compensation for damages suffered due to someone else’s negligence. If you have been injured or suffered property damage as a result of a car accident, then contact an experienced lawyer today so that they can help guide you through every step of the process and ensure that all parties involved are held accountable for their actions.
Get a Medical Evaluation
Despite the fact that you might not have obvious injuries from the car accident, get a medical exam from your regular doctor or at an area Emergency Room. You may have an unnoticed injury that could worsen in the days that follow. You might be in shock and unaware of your condition or symptoms. Follow through with doctors’ recommendations for treatment to support your position if a legal claim develops.
Collect Receipts and Records
The attorney can explain which records you may need to collect for your auto accident claim. Lost employment wages, medical bills, prescriptions, and car repairs should be documented in records or receipts and organized for potential future reference in a legal proceeding or settlement claim.
Take these steps following a car accident to protect your health and financial interests that stem from the incident.