REMAIN AT THE ACCIDENT
SCENE
Unless your injuries require otherwise, don’t leave the
scene of an accident until you have called the police and they
have documented the accident. It’s important to obtain the
other driver(s) name, address and phone number. Write down the
license plate and registration numbers of the vehicle(s) involved
in the accident. Ask the other driver(s) to show you their license,
give you their phone numbers, their insurance company name and
policy numbers. Obtain the names, phone numbers and addresses
of all eyewitnesses. Try to get a written statement from any witnesses
as to what happened.
Remember that even serious
injuries are not always evident at the time of the collision. See
your doctor immediately and advise any of your passengers to do
the same.
STATEMENTS
Do not discuss the accident with anyone except the investigating
police officer, and then, only the basic facts. If it’s a
serious accident involving injury, you will only want to make statements
to your lawyer.
TAKE NOTES AND PICTURES
OF THE ACCIDENT
Make your own written notes on all significant circumstances concerning
the accident. Even crudely drawn sketches can be very helpful. If
you or someone else has a camera at the scene, take pictures to
preserve skid marks, the position of the vehicles and other physical
evidence that will likely disappear after the accident.
DEALING WITH THE POLICE
An arrest at the scene does not necessarily indicate civil liability,
so do not resist. An arrest in connection with an accident cannot
ordinarily be used later in a suit for damages. Any statement may
be used as an admission, so don’t make a statement until you
have hired a qualified attorney.
INSURANCE REPORTS AND
NOTIFICATIONS
Do not give a statement to anyone without first consulting your
lawyer.
CLAIMS MADE AGAINST YOU
Refer all claims against you to your attorney. Do not pay or promise
to pay any claimant. Immediately forward all papers to your attorney.
CLAIMS MADE BY YOU
An attorney is best equipped to advise you as to your legal rights
to recover a fair and reasonable settlement. Protect your legal
rights and seek competent legal advice.
Why should you see an
attorney immediately and not wait?
After an accident, there are many forms and claim notices which
have short time deadlines to file, some of which may be only a number
of days. An experienced lawyer will fill out and file the forms
and claim notices correctly. For instance, you may be required to
file an accident report with the Department of Motor Vehicles within
days of the accident, if someone was injured or if there was substantial
property damage.
Insurance companies just don't
take claims seriously until they see your case moving in the court
system. The attorneys at The Sorey Law Firm, PLLC have the knowledge
necessary to know how to fully represent your best interests and
to make sure your rights are protected.
For these reasons, you should
call The Sorey Law Firm, PLLC, Riders Representing Riders.
1-800-750-5075 |
