Things to Do After a Car Accident
A car crash can be a terrifying experience. You may worry about your own safety, your family’s safety, or the safety of others. However, there are some things you can do to minimize the risk.
The first step is to make sure you have the appropriate vehicle insurance. If you don’t have coverage, call your insurer. Make sure you collect your insurance information and give it to the police. This will help them to assess the extent of damage to your vehicle, which is important for assessing insurance claims.
It’s also a good idea to take pictures of your accident. This can be a helpful piece of evidence in a potential lawsuit. Take photos of the visible damage to your vehicle, as well as any other property damages you discover.
While you’re taking photos, be sure to note the location of the other cars, as well as the road conditions. Having the right information will help the insurance adjuster recreate the accident. In addition, you may want to have your car towed to a secure storage facility after the accident.
After the incident, be sure to get a copy of the police report. This is a requirement under New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law. Some departments are transitioning to online reporting.
Once you have received a police report, you can start the process of determining who’s liable. For example, if you rear ended another driver, you might be liable for 80% of the damage. If you weren’t at fault, you may be able to get compensation from the other party.
If you’ve been injured in a crash, don’t be embarrassed to seek medical attention. If you suffer from a broken leg or other injury, it’s a good idea to get treatment. Your doctor will likely administer a variety of tests to check your health. Be certain to follow his or her advice, as they may recommend tests you may not have thought were necessary.
You’ll also want to take pictures of your vehicle, your injuries, and the other driver’s vehicle. The law states that you must have a copy of the other driver’s license. Additionally, you might be asked to exchange your own license, insurance information, and other details.
While you’re at it, you might want to take a photo of your vehicle’s skid marks. These marks are indicative of how fast you were going during the collision. Not only are they a useful metric for the car’s reaction time, they can be a valuable item to have on hand should you ever need to show proof of an accident.
Finally, the car’s brakes are a useful indicator. Having brakes that work properly can help you avoid a side impact collision. Similarly, being careful when exiting your vehicle can prevent cuts or scrapes.
One last thing you might want to consider is whether or not you need a lawyer. An attorney will help you protect your rights and ensure that you are treated fairly.
