The moments, hours and days after a motor vehicle accident can be frightening and confusing. Though there is never a convenient or rational time to be the victim of an accident, here is a checklist of what to do if you find that you have been involved.
● Stop! If you leave the scene of an accident, you can be subject to criminal prosecution.
● Stay calm and keep yourself safe.
● If anyone seems to be injured, call 911. Do not move anyone.
● Upload photos of the accident scene. Take pictures of the scene with a cell phone or digital camera before any vehicles have been moved. You may also decide to use it for recording any audio information.
● If possible, move vehicles to a safe location. If not, make sure hazzard lights or other barriers can be implemented.
● Be sure to chronicle all names, driver’s license numbers, addresses and telephone numbers of the other drivers involved. Write down the tag numbers and the insurance company of the registered owners. Call your own insurance company within seven days of the accident.
● Write down the names, telephone numbers and addresses of all passengers and witnesses.
● Call the police. Depending on injuries or damages, the police may or may not be dispatched. If they choose not to attend the accident scene, you may be advised to report your accident to a Collision Reporting Centre which is a police facility created to assist drivers in reporting accidents.
● Do not accept a direct offer of payment from another driver.
● Do not sign any other documents other than a police report.
● Keep records and receipts from any medical expenses.
● Accident Benefits must be filed within thirty days of the incident.
If you have suffered an injury in the accident, once the immediate medical needs have been attended to, you should call a lawyer as soon as possible. A flurry of emotions may be sinking in.
Although this can be a confusing time, it is also a critical one for you. If you choose to commence a personal injury suit, what you do in the next few hours, days, and weeks are crucial to the way an insurer will view your case. At this point, you may have been hospitalized or received some kind of medical treatment and you may be facing more extensive medical expenses in the future. You may even be missing work and unable to care for your family. By calling a legal representative, you can ensure that you won’t miss important deadlines or make mistakes affecting the outcome of a potential claim. You will also have an advocate seeing to your rights at a confusing time.
If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident, call us for a free evaluation. We will assist you in determining whether you have a legal case for compensation. At A M Injury Law, we continue to protect the rights of our clients in Cornwall, Huntsville, Leamington and surrounding areas. Let us protect your rights as well.