When an accident happens to you, it is very understandable if you get emotional and upset. However, if seen from the legal perspective, such an attitude will put you at a disadvantage. Besides, what’s more important than expressing your anger is to find medical attention. Now, we’ve wrapped things up into these three simple steps.
Gather Information
If you can stand up, then you should approach the nearest people who can be potential witnesses for the accident. Ask them politely if they are willing to help you to testify when the police arrive.
Also, if other drivers get involved in the collision, you need to check their condition first and see if you can ask about their identities, driver license, plate numbers, and insurance information. Remember that this is not always possible since they may turn aggressive towards you. If that is the case, you must avoid any physical contacts so that the situation won’t turn violent.
Furthermore, you should take photos or videos of the scene so that you can get tangible evidence for your case. But if you get severely injured and unconscious, you can appoint a lawyer later. If anyone gets killed in the accident, it is very crucial not to give any detail to anyone but your lawyer.
Get Damage Valuation
In many states, possessing auto insurance policies are mandatory for car owners. But if you do not have one, then it is time for you to get one! If you think you can handle all the risks of an accident by yourself, then you have just undermined this matter. Legal matters, auto repair, police reports, and other stuff will be overwhelming to deal with if you have no insurance backup.
Now, assuming that you have got the coverage, you need to file for the claim. After that, the insurance will send an adjuster to give a valuation on the damages on your car. However, the number may not always add up, and you have all the rights to challenge it. First, get the damage estimates by hiring two or more independent collision technicians and compare their valuations with the one from the adjuster. Second, if a lawsuit is necessary, hire an insurance claim attorney.
Be Ready for Confrontation
Confrontation here can take forms in either legal lawsuits or aggressions. And you must always think about the worst that can happen so that you can be ready with anything. And this step is more about your mental integrity rather than the amount of money you have to pay lawyers.
If you are the at-fault driver, you need to realize that you still have rights to be treated fairly and just. The penalties that you receive must not exceed your deed. If you are the wronged party, you must evaluate whether or not the settlements given to you is fair.