The moments after a car accident can be confusing and difficult. Below are some simple steps that you can take to protect yourself when another driver hits your car.
Buy a dash cam
Dash cams record what is happening in front of and behind your vehicle while you drive. A good set-up can be purchased for under $200. If a person hits your vehicle and flees the scene or lies about what happened, the video from the dash cam might be the only evidence you have to prove that you were not at fault. While the cost of a dash cam can seem like a lot, it is probably less than you would pay for your deductible to fix your car. In a car accident where the other driver is lying about what happened, a dash cam could save you a lot of money on your repair cost and your insurance premiums.
Take photographs
It is important to take photographs of the vehicles immediately after the accident (provided it can be safely done). Often, the position of the vehicles, their location in the roadway, the points of contact, and the location of any skid marks can be used to prove who caused the accident.
Tell the police what happened
If possible, have the police come to the scene and write a report. The police will make sure that the other driver has the proper identification and proof of insurance. They might also make notes about the position of the vehicles and interview witnesses. The statements that the police take can be used to show who was at fault. Even if the driver who caused the accident lies to the police about what happened, any inconsistencies can later be used against them.
Tell medical providers what happened
If you are injured, it is important to tell the police that you are hurt and see a doctor right away. Tell the doctor what happened in the accident and be complete when describing your injuries. These statements will be helpful later on to show that the other driver caused the accident and to prove the extent of your injuries.
Talk to an attorney
If you are injured in the accident, it is important to talk to a personal injury attorney immediately. An attorney will perform an investigation to determine who caused the accident. This can involve talking to witnesses, obtaining police records, obtaining video from nearby businesses, and inspecting the scene of the accident. An attorney will also make sure that all insurance claims are properly opened and reported so that you get the full compensation that you deserve.
It is important to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney if you are injured in a car accident. At Warren McGraw & Knowles, we will perform a thorough investigation to make sure we determine who was at fault and identify all potential sources of recovery. If you’ve been hurt in a car accident, contact the attorneys at Warren McGraw & Knowles to protect your rights and get the compensation that you deserve.
Timothy Knowles is a personal injury attorney in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania who practices in Philadelphia and the surrounding counties. You can reach him at [email protected] or 610-584-9400.