A Guide to Safeguarding Your Rights After a Car Crash

 Posted on September 11, 2023 in Car Accident

A car crash can be scary and make you upset and confused about what to do. But knowing your rights in this situation is important. Knowing how to safeguard your rights after a car crash can make a significant difference in ensuring you receive the appropriate compensation and support you deserve. This blog will explore the steps immediately following a car crash to safeguard your rights.

1. Prioritize Safety and Health

Right after a car accident, the most important thing is to make sure you and the people with you are safe. The adrenaline and shock of the accident might make it difficult to think clearly, but taking the following steps can greatly enhance the safety and well-being of everyone involved:

Check Yourself and Passengers: Take a short time to see if you and the people with you are safe. Call 911 or ask a bystander if anyone is seriously injured. Avoid moving injured individuals unless they are in imminent danger.

Move to a Safe Location: If your vehicle is creating a hazard by blocking traffic, try to move it over to the edge of the street if it's safe.

Stay Calm: A car crash can be a jarring experience, and feeling shaken is natural. Take a few deep breaths to calm yourself and help you think more clearly.

Switch the Hazard Lights On: Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers that there's an issue. It can help prevent further collisions and create a safer environment for everyone.

2. Contact Law Enforcement

Contacting law enforcement is crucial, regardless of the accident's severity, after a car crash. Even in minor collisions, involving the police can provide several benefits and help protect your rights:

Official Documentation: When the police come to where the accident happened, they make a special report about it. This paper has information about what happened, who was there, where it happened, and who saw it. Having a copy of the record can be essential for insurance claims and legal proceedings.

Objective Assessment: Police officers are trained to assess the situation objectively and gather information from all parties involved. Their presence can help ensure that accurate and unbiased information is recorded.

Determining Fault: While police officers may not always explicitly determine fault, their observations and documentation can play a role in establishing liability. Insurance companies and legal professionals often refer to the police report to understand the circumstances of the accident.

Legal Protection: Sometimes, an at-fault driver may admit fault at the scene but later change their statement. The official report from the police can be like proof that someone said something first, which can help keep you safe.

3. Exchange Information

Share your contact and insurance details with the driver who was also in the accident. Get their names, where they live, phone numbers, license, and insurance details. Also, get the contact info from any people who saw what happened.

4. Document the Scene

Take pictures of where the accident happened using your phone or camera. Take clear photos of the vehicles' positions, damages, skid marks, or traffic signals or road signs. These images can serve as valuable evidence during insurance negotiations.

5. Limit Communication

While exchanging information with the other parties involved is essential, avoid discussing the accident in-depth or admitting fault. What you talk about at the accident place might be used to show things against you later on. When communicating with other drivers, witnesses, and law enforcement, stick to the facts.

6. Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company

Call your insurer right away to tell them the situation after an accident. Tell them everything that happened, but don't guess or say it's your fault if you're unsure. The person from your insurance company will help you understand how to get money for the damage and tell you what your insurance can pay for.

7. Seek Medical Attention

Even if your injuries are small, seeing a doctor is important. Certain injuries might not show up right away, so a doctor can carefully check how you're doing. Document all medical treatments, prescriptions, and expenses that have been spent, as these records are helpful for future claims.

8. Be Cautious with Insurance Adjusters

When dealing with insurance adjusters, remember that their goal is to minimize the company's financial liability. Be cautious when providing statements, and avoid accepting quick settlement offers without fully understanding the extent of your damages. If unsure, consult a personal injury attorney before accepting any settlement.

9. Consult an Attorney

If you got seriously hurt or things are tough when dealing with getting paid, it might be a good idea to talk to an attorney who knows your rights. They can ensure your rights are safe, talk with the insurance people, and even help you in court if needed.

10. Preserve Evidence

Hold onto all the papers connected to the accident, like doctor's notes, papers about fixing your car, letters from insurance companies, and any other papers that matter. These papers will help show how bad things were and help make your case stronger.

11. Understand Time Limits

In different places, there are specific times when you can ask for money if you get hurt, called time limits or statutes of limitations. Know these time limits so you don't miss your chance to ask for money.

12. Know Your Rights

Learn about what you can do if you've been in an accident. You can get money for things like doctor bills, fixing things, money you didn't get because you couldn't work, feeling hurt, and other bad things that happened. Understanding these rights will empower you during negotiations and legal proceedings.

To Sum Up

At Newland & Newland LLP, we safeguard your rights, provide expert guidance, and advocate for your best interests. Whether you're facing personal injury claims, navigating real estate transactions, or seeking legal counsel for various matters, our team is here to provide you with tailored solutions and unwavering support. Contact Newland & Newland LLP today to book a consultation. Your rights matter, and at Newland & Newland LLP, we're here to protect them.