According to government statistics, nearly 10% of people are involved in an automobile accident each year. Despite this significant number, a recent industry study found that 33% of people surveyed do not know what information to obtain at the accident scene. More shocking, the same study found that nearly 50% of all drivers do not what the law requires of them in the event of an accident or what insurance they carry.
Here are some simple steps to protect yourself in the event you’re involved in an accident:
Have Proper Insurance. Not only is it important to have adequate coverage in the event you cause an accident, however, it is equally important to have proper uninsured motorist coverage and underinsured motorist coverage. (UM/UIM). The UM/UIM policies protect you from drivers who cause you injuries but either (1) have no insurance or (2) do not have enough insurance to cover all of your injuries. Without UM/UIM coverage, you may be left holding the bag for your injuries.
Know What To Do At The Accident Scene. As the industry study shows, many drivers do not know what to do immediately at the scene of the accident. Here are some basic do’s and don’ts:
DO’S
- Assess your injuries and that of the other driver.
- Contact the police and, if necessary, EMS.
- Exchange the following information with the other driver: name, address, phone number, driver's license, license plate, car make/model, and insurance information.
- Get the names, addresses and home and work phone numbers of all witnesses.
- Diagram the accident scene and write notes of what happened.
DON’T
Discuss the accident with the other driver, take blame for it, or apologize.
Know What To Do Afterward. Even if you don’t think you have significant injuries, it is important to seek appropriate medical attention as, often times, injuries are not known for several days after the accident. Moreover, no is the time to call our law firm as we will help collect evidence, interview witnesses, prepare your claim, and explain your rights.
The risk of being involved in an automobile accident is high. Even if you are a cautious driver; you cannot control the actions and abilities of every other driver on the road. By protecting yourself in case of you’re involved in an accident – by having the proper 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.
Contact an attorney at Triscaro & Associates today. Please call us for all your legal needs. We offer a full range of legal services to individuals, families and businesses, including personal injury, estate planning, real estate, family law and business matters. We are dedicated to providing the highest quality legal services at a reasonable cost.