You shouldn’t have to have been involved in a motor vehicle collision in order to know which are the right steps to take during the aftermath. It is always best to get informed and stay informed so you can be prepared should the time ever come. And going by statistics, your chances of ever becoming involved in one are not as low as you may think.
Each year, nearly 170,000 people sustain injuries during motor vehicle collisions, and almost 1,900 fatalities result from these collisions. These events are traumatic and terrifying, and keeping a clear ahead during the immediate aftermath may seem impossible, but if you write yourself a checklist and keep it in your glove compartment, you can take all necessary steps and avoid the most common mistakes.
Never Leave the Accident Site
Regardless of how minor you may deem the motor vehicle collision to be, you should never leave the site since this will be deemed a criminal offense. While you do not need to stay by your vehicle, you absolutely do need to assist the person(s) located in the other involved vehicles. Furthermore, it is highly important that you exchange contact and insurance information with the other involved parties, as well as with bystanders and witnesses.
Do Not Hand Out Apologies Or Place Blame
After you have been involved in a motor vehicle collision, you are likely to be in shock which may cause you to utter apologies or accept or place blame, but doing any of that is likely to only causes further problems should any of the involved choose to file a claim. This is because, even an apology spoken under great stress and fear, could later be used to prove you are liable for causing the accident.
You can still offer assistance to other involved parties without admitting any level of fault. The better way to handle that part of an insurance claim is to interview bystanders and witnesses, and take photographic evidence of vehicle damage and injuries.
Do Not Make Statements In Regards To Your Well-Being
Even if you do feel somewhat okay after the collision, do not say “I’m fine” or anything of the sort while you are speaking to the other involved parties. Injuries to the neck and back are especially prone to having symptoms that are late onset but can still have major and long-term consequences that often need costly treatments.
Contact a lawyer
This is one of the most vital aspects to remember is to consult with a personal injury lawyer in St. Albert. They understand all aspects of handling the insurance company and dealing with the law enforcement. It will help you stay stress free as you recover from the traumatic experience. If the injuries are severe, you will need time to recover while the lawyers work on your behalf to help you get compensated.