No matter if you’re distracted for just two seconds, you can still be the reason behind a car accident. You only need a slight distraction to take off your attention from the road. Now if you collided with a car at the intersection and you’re sure that it was your fault, what are you supposed to do?
Being involved in a car accident can be a daunting experience and when it is your fault, the feeling is even worse. Before rushing to a Stockton personal injury attorney, you should educate yourself on the steps that you need to take. Keep reading to know more.
Steps to take soon after the accident
Regardless of how careful you are while driving, you can still get involved in a car accident. Here are a few steps that will safeguard your rights as an at-fault driver.
- Inform the police: There are several states where you are bound to call the police immediately after an accident
- Exchange details: Get the email addresses, phone numbers, and insurance policy details of the eyewitnesses and other drivers involved
- Check if you have injuries: In case you suffer from minor or major injuries, call the ambulance and seek medical attention
- Never block other cars: If you get involved in a minor accident, make sure you move your car out of the road so that you don’t block the traffic
- Take notes: Try to record whatever you can about the accident, like the damages caused, the comments made by other drivers, and information from eyewitnesses
- Click pictures: Utilize your mobile phone’s camera to record the scene of the accident or the damage done to your car. Take a note if the surrounding shops and businesses also recorded the accident on their cameras.
Things you should NOT DO if you are involved in the accident
Here are a few steps that you should never take if you think you’re legally liable for the accident.
- Never shout: Being the cause of an accident can make your emotions run high. Try not to get mad and accuse the other driver.
- Never admit your fault: Even though you’re sure you caused the accident, don’t admit it to the police or the other driver.
- Never discuss details of the accident: You should never speak about the details of the collision with the insurance company, the other party, or the lawyer. Just be honest by giving accurate facts to the insurance company and the police. For legal help, speak with a PI attorney.
- Never be the first to leave: When the police have already made the report, wait for the other drivers to leave the site of the accident. You shouldn’t be the first one to leave.
Causing a car crash can have crucial upshots. Repairs and personal injuries can cost you a fortune. In case you don’t have adequate insurance coverage for the damages, you may be at a loss. For protecting your interests, hire an experienced personal injury attorney.
