Tips from Sacramento Car Accident Injury Lawyer John Airola
Car accidents happen in the blink of an eye. They can range from minor inconveniences to major catastrophes. While many people try to prepare for the unexpected by purchasing adequate car insurance, few people are aware of the steps they should take immediately after an accident to make sure their rights are protected. Below is a list of things you should keep in mind if you are ever involved in an accident.
1) Call the police. Alert authorities of your accident, where you are located and if anyone is injured. When the police arrive, make sure an accident report is filled out. When talking to the police, stick to the facts and do not admit blame.
2) Take action to prevent more accidents. Use road flares or emergency triangles to alert on-coming traffic to drive with caution.
3) Take action to prevent injuries. If your accident occurred in a heavy-traffic area and it is not safe to leave your vehicle, remain in your car with your seatbelt buckled until help arrives. Do not move injured people unless they are in danger of sustaining further injury from their current location.
4) Get contact information of everyone involved in the accident, including witnesses. Be sure to write down the name, address, phone numbers (home, work, cell, etc.) of anyone involved in the accident in any way. Also, make sure you write down the license plate numbers of all vehicles involved in your accident and insurance information of each driver.
5) Take photographs of the accident. Photographs can provide crucial evidence of what happened should you need to pursue legal action for your car accident. Be sure to take pictures of damaged vehicles, injuries, debris, and the entire accident scene from various angles, distances and perspectives. It is a good idea to carry a disposable camera in your car for such emergencies as photos from cell phones are more easily disputed in court since digital photos may be more readily altered.
6) Take detailed notes. In the heat of the moment, you swear that you won’t forget a detail of your accident—that it’s been burned into your memory. But the truth is, memories do fade, and with that, crucial evidence is lost. Make sure you are prepared to recall specific details in the future by taking accurate notes immediately after your accident.
7) Contact your insurance company. Many insurance companies require policy-holders to alert them of any accidents they have been involved in if they want to continue coverage or be reimbursed for damages covered by their plan. Failure to call your insurance company in a timely manner may result in a forfeiture of the protection you purchased.
8) Contact a Sacramento car accident injury lawyer. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a car accident that was not your fault, it is imperative to consult a highly skilled car accident lawyer. An experienced auto accident attorney can help you recover the money to which you are legally entitled and make sure your rights are protected. A lawyer can also handle all communication between you and the at-fault party’s insurance company—helping you avoid common mistakes that can affect how much money you receive.
Call 916-971-3314 to speak with an experienced Sacramento car accident injury lawyer at the Airola Law Offices today!
