At the time of a car accident, there are many emotions that run through a person’s mind. Some people may feel scared, angry, or saddened. Others may feel grateful for avoiding injury. Unfortunately, some people react in ways that can make the accident even worse. After a car accident, it’s crucial to defend your rights while helping other people. Accidents in cars are never enjoyable. Right after an accident, emotions are likely to be high, and you can feel puzzled, disoriented, or in pain. However, you can take precautions to safeguard yourself and get ready for a vehicle accident lawsuit with the assistance of the Beharry Law Firm.
Stay on the scene: Once you’ve shared information with other crash participants, don’t leave the accident area. Do not leave when a law enforcement officer is conducting an investigation without the officer’s consent. If you leave before then, you could be charged with hit-and-run.
Look for any injuries: Start with you and your passengers to determine if anyone was hurt. If it is safe to do so, you should then check on other motorists and passengers. In the event of any injury, dial 911 right away. Call 911 even if you’re not certain that it is essential. Don’t offer help that goes outside your area of expertise. And don’t move anyone unless they are in immediate danger outside (like from a fire).
Make a police call: A police officer will probably be sent to the accident if you contacted 911. If property damage exceeds a predetermined threshold established by state law (usually approximately $1,000, but less in other jurisdictions), even if no one appears to be hurt, you must call the police. It is frequently advisable to submit a police report because it is impossible to determine the precise cost of damage on the spot. A police report will be written when an officer has spoken to all parties involved in the collision. If it turns out that the other motorist is operating a vehicle while intoxicated or without insurance, the presence of a law enforcement officer may also prove to be of great assistance. If you can, note the responding officer’s name, badge number, and police report number.
Vehicle movement: Attempt to get all vehicles relocated to a shoulder and away from the flow of traffic if the collision was relatively small and there were no major injuries. This will aid first responders in their efforts to get to the accident scene and help avoid a worse traffic bottleneck.
Trade contact details and insurance information: Determine other drivers who were involved in the collision and obtain their names, addresses, driver’s license numbers, and information regarding their auto insurance (company, policy number). Get the owner’s information as well if the car’s owner is not the driver. Take a picture of the other driver’s insurance card and driver’s license and email or text it to yourself to avoid transcribing errors or information loss. Obtain the names and contact details of any witnesses. You will need their testimony to support your version of events when you communicate with your car accident lawyer Miami.
