Disclaimer: This article should not be treated as legal advice. It’s recommended that readers still consult legal counsel and contact a lawyer should they have any concerns regarding a vehicle accident.
We can’t always guarantee what happens to us when we’re out in public, which is why we are always advised to be careful. Unfortunately, accidents happen all the time, and sometimes the best way to get through them is to understand how best to deal with them when they happen. This also goes with a vehicle accident, as there’s more to the accident than the incident itself. Understanding how these factors affect each other can greatly help you if you are in this situation.
A vehicle accident can be extremely stressful, but it’s not always an impossible situation to get through. If you review these situations with your lawyer (see here), you should take their advice to heart and try to have an open and clear mind should you ever find yourself in a situation like this.
However, please do remember that the tips below aren’t final considerations, and it’s definitely not legal advice. It’s still best to refer to legal counsel when it comes to these scenarios. If you are in need of a consultation, you may contact a car accident lawyer to learn more about this topic.
Don’t Leave the Location
Being in an accident can cause panic in individuals, especially if you’re involved. However, remember that it’s best if you don’t leave the scene of the accident unless you’re sure that it’s safe to proceed and go. The best person that can tell you this information is your legal counsel, which means it’s best to call that person first so you know how to proceed.
- Remember, try to not to leave the scene as this can result in you being considered as someone responsible for a hit-and-run. Drivers of said incidents have penalties to suffer from under some state laws.
- It’s also important for you to be there so when law enforcement arrives and when your lawyer has advised you to do so, allowing you to get the authorities to take your statement if needed.
Call the Authorities
If you’ve seen that there are injured parties and you’re involved in the incident, try to immediately call for assistance such as medical help and the local police. It’s best to try not to intervene when it comes to helping injured parties as your assistance might even worsen the situation. Try to confirm with your legal counsel if it’s wise for you to do so, especially if you are trained in first aid or in giving medical aid in these situations.
In any case, try to call your insurance provider so they will be able to be notified on the situation at hand. This also gives them a heads up that your coverage will be used to pay for things such as health coverage or vehicle repairs. If you do not have adequate health coverage and are in a bind, you may want to find more info about other ways in which you can be covered in case of a collision. - In terms of the authorities, try to call for your legal counsel immediately so they can go to your location and be able to brief you in terms of what to do next. This allows you to get a good grasp of the situation and what’s the safest course of action.
Gathering Data
If you’re still on the scene, try your best to gather as much data as you would about the situation. This allows you to get a good idea of what has happened and what your ideal course of action is. Of course, it is easier to figure out with the assistance of legal counsel such as this Las Vegas truck accident lawyer. This also allows you to get your facts straight when you’re needed to explain your side.
- Try to get all the relevant details of all the people on the scene in a polite manner. Ask for the responding officer’s name and badge number. For the people involved in the accident, try to ask for necessary information such as names, addresses and contact details, especially if you need to communicate with them and their legal counsel.
- Also try to take pictures if you have a camera with you, as this can greatly help smooth out details in some aspects of the incident. If you are, for instance, planning on using your insurance coverage to help alleviate you on some of the damage, taking pictures to help improve your claim is ideal.
The above are some things you may want to consider if you’ve been involved in a vehicle accident. Having to know these considerations may be a bit hassling, especially since an accident itself is a stressful endeavor. However, it may be important to remember that you also have to be aware of your rights and responsibilities, and how to act upon them accordingly. This way, your legal counsel’s advice may be put to efficient use, especially when they’re around.
Vicki Haskett
Vicki is a law writing enthusiast who’s had over 25 years of experience in her field. She enjoys sharing her experiences with those who want to learn more about the legal world. In her spare time she spends quality time with her family and friends.
