A car accident can be an incredibly stressful experience. Right after the crash, it’s normal to feel shocked, upset, and confused. However, it’s crucial to stay calm and follow these steps to preserve your right to compensation.
It’s likely that you wouldn’t want to spend much time at the scene of a traffic accident. However, it’s of utmost importance that you remain at the accident scene. In certain states, the law requires drivers involved in a vehicle collision to stay at the scene to provide assistance and share information with the other affected parties. Otherwise, they could face serious legal consequences, depending on the severity of the accident.
What you do and say at the accident scene is crucial. Make sure to take the following steps to protect yourself and support your case:
As soon as you are involved in an accident, assess your injuries and ask all occupants to do the same. If someone suffers serious injuries, call 911. Even if no one appears to be seriously injured, everyone involved should seek medical attention as soon as possible after the accident.
If you are physically able and your vehicle is still operational, state law may require you to move your car out of traffic flow. In cases of serious accidents with significant injuries or considerable vehicle damage, the police and/or a towing company may need to assist in removing all vehicles from the roadway.
Avoid apologizing to the other driver or accepting any responsibility for the accident, as this could severely impact your ability to file a claim. Most car accidents require an investigation to determine fault and its degree
Most insurance companies will require a police report to file a claim. Even if there's no apparent medical emergency and you don't call 911, you should call the non-emergency line and request that a police officer come to the scene. This police report can be used as evidence when building your personal injury claim.
In any accident resulting in injuries or property damage, the law requires you to exchange information with the other driver. Keep this conversation calm and professional. Make sure to obtain the following information from them: Full name / Phone number / Address / Insurance information / Driver's license number /
The more you document your accident, the easier it will be to build your case later on. Photos and videos are particularly useful as they are more reliable than memories of those at the scene. Take photos and videos of the following:
- Your injuries
- All vehicles involved from multiple angles.
- Traffic and weather conditions.
- Skid marks on the pavement.
- The scene as a whole from multiple angles.
Once you’ve been authorized to leave the scene, there are still some actions you should take. It’s important to do the following to take care of yourself and promote your recovery.
If an ambulance was not called to the accident scene, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even if you don’t believe you’re injured, it’s crucial to see a doctor. Inform your doctor that you were involved in a car accident so they know what to look for.
You may have hidden injuries such as internal damage, brain injuries, or small fractures. These injuries may not be apparent initially but can progress and become more difficult to treat the longer you wait to seek treatment.
Your doctor will also be able to document all your injuries and the treatment you receive for them. This will be helpful when building your case and calculating your damages. You won’t be able to send a demand letter to the other party until you’ve finished treatment.
Even if you plan to file a personal injury claim against the other driver’s insurance company, you should still file a claim with your own auto insurance provider. Utah law requires all insurance policies to include at least $3,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP), which can help cover medical expenses, loss of income, and funeral expenses (in case of a fatality). Your own coverage may include more than the minimum $3,000.
To file a claim with your insurance provider, you should have the following information ready:
If your medical expenses exceed $3,000, or if you suffer permanent disability or disfigurement as a result of the accident, you can also file a claim against the other driver. If someone died in the accident, you can file a wrongful death lawsuit.
A car accident attorney can provide legal guidance throughout your recovery process. The Advocates can assist you in accessing medical care, repairing your car, building your case, negotiating with insurance companies, and receiving fair compensation for your damages.
Fuente: The Advocates Utah
2024 | Designed by Figital Solutions
