Road accidents are a widespread global problem. And while there are several leading causes of accidents, which include speeding, vehicle faults, driving under the influence, and others, even the most careful drivers can find themselves involved in an accident.
Unfortunately, being involved in an accident is exceptionally traumatizing, although if you are responsible for the collision, the situation can be beyond stressful.
You might want to flee the scene to avoid consequences, but this is action can land you with a hefty fine or prison time. Instead, you should consult an expert attorney at JLF Firm to handle your case for you; this will ensure fair treatment and a just outcome.
Because there are many mistakes that you can make after causing an accident, we have listed the vital steps for you to ensure you remain on the right side of the law after the incident.
1. Don’t Leave the Scene
Fleeing the scene is illegal, whether you are responsible or not. You will need to contact the authorities to report the incident and wait for them to arrive before leaving the scene.
2. Call the Police and Insurance
The most vital thing to do after being involved in an accident is to contact the local police. However, if anyone has been injured in the accident, you should first call emergency services.
Although, if no one is injured and another involved driver contacts the police, then all you need to do is wait calmly for the authorities to arrive. That said, you must remain as calm as possible and ensure your incident details are accurate when the report is being compiled.
Faults in your police report can lead to legal issues later on, especially if you are already responsible for the collision.
3. Take Pictures
No matter how minor the accident is, such as a scratched door or a slight dent, take as many pictures of all the vehicles involved and the surrounding area. Photographs of the incident will provide additional information on who is at fault. Because an accident is not illegal unless the law was broken, you might be able to avoid court.
Even if you have caused the accident, many instances mean you won’t face the full wrath of the law. For this reason, photographs are essential.
4. Consult an Attorney
The next important step to take is to consult an accident attorney. Relying on a lawyer is the best way to be sure you know all your legal rights. If you don’t consult a lawyer, you might be held responsible for more than what you are legally obligated to pay for.
Being involved in a car accident of any kind can be traumatic for all parties involved. However, how you handle the moments following the incident will impact the outcome of personal injury claims, insurance claims, and legal consequences. As a result, it is imperative to remain as calm as possible and recall the incident in accurate detail when consulting your lawyer and compiling a police report.