According to the government, each year nearly 1 in 10 people are in a car accident. Despite this high risk, many drivers don’t know the right steps to take after an auto accident. A recent Auto Club study found that nearly one-third of the public doesn’t know what information to get at the accident scene. It also found that nearly half of all drivers don’t know what insurance they carry or what the law requires them to have.
Because the chance of being in a car accident is high, it’s wise to take steps to protect yourself in case of one. Here are tips.
Have Proper Insurance
The first step to protect yourself is having proper insurance. It is vital to have uninsured motorist coverage and underinsured motorist coverage. These protect you from drivers who have no insurance, too little insurance to pay your damages, and hit and run drivers. Without these types of insurance – which are often inexpensive – you may not recover money for all of your injuries and losses.
Know What To Do At The Accident Scene
As the Auto Club study shows, many accident victims don’t know what to do immediately after a car accident. Here are some basic do’s and don’ts:
• DO exchange the following information with the other driver: name, address, phone number, driver’s license, license plate, car make/model, and insurance information.
• DO get the names, addresses and home and work phone numbers of all witnesses.
• DO make a diagram of the accident and write notes of what happened.
• DON’T discuss the accident with the other driver or take blame for it.
Know What To Do Afterward
After leaving the accident see a doctor, even if your injuries seem minor. You should also call our law firm promptly. We will help collect evidence, interview witnesses and prepare your claim. We will also explain your rights, including your right to be compensated if you were partly at fault, your right to talk to your lawyer before giving statements to an insurance company or others, and the different damages you can receive. Not knowing your rights can cause you to make a mistake that lowers or even eliminates your recovery.
The likelihood of being in an auto accident at some point is high. But by protecting yourself in case of one – by having the right insurance, knowing what information to get at the scene, and seeking medical and legal help promptly – you can likely get the maximum compensation for your injuries and have the matter resolved with the least amount of hassles.
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