If you have ever been involved in a car accident, then you well understand the turmoil that can enter into your life all at once. Not only are there your injuries and the damages to your car to take care of, but there are also a host of other factors that must be taken into consideration at the same time. Read these four tips to learn to effectively deal with the legal ramifications of a car accident.
Take Care of Yourself and Take Notes
It goes without saying that the first thing you should do after an accident is to look after any injuries that may have been incurred by yourself or your passengers. If you are at all able, you should try to jot down some notes about the accident so that your memory is fresh at a later time to recall the important details. You can also use your smartphone to take some pictures of the accident from a variety of angles to use later.
Call the Police
No matter how major or minor the accident might have been, the police need to be called. This is to protect yourself and to have a police report generated. You will want this information at a later date, and it will be one of the most beneficial documents to determine fault in the accident.
Get Contact Information
You will want to know how to get in contact with the other party at a later date. You might not need to call them, but your insurance company and lawyer (if you choose to hire one) certainly will. It is also helpful to exchange information with one another at this time as well. At the same time, if there are any witnesses to the accident who have remained, ask for their contact information as well.
Secure an Attorney
If you really to make sure that your legal rights are protected, you will want to contact a professional lawyer in your area, such as one from Kidwell & Gallagher LTD. The firm will take care of everything for you from that point, including dealing with insurance companies and representing you in court if it comes to that.
The important thing after an accident is to remain calm and get your wits under you as soon as possible. These four tips will go a long way towards protecting your legal rights as well. No matter who is at fault, stay patient and work within the legal system to come to a successful resolution.
Author Info: Hannah Whittenly is a freelance writer and mother of two from Sacramento, CA. She enjoys kayaking and reading books by the lake. You can find her on Twitter.
