Involvement in an automobile wreck could have significant consequences. Those caught up in such events will likely sustain significant property damage and might even incur disabling physical injuries.
In numerous instances, such occurrences result from traffic accidents. That said, the steps taken following these events could determine how quickly one recovers and determine if they might be eligible to receive compensation from those deemed responsible for causing said incidents.
1- Remain Present And Safe
Regardless of how minor or severe the dust up is, involved motorists are implored to remain present until such parties and law enforcement officials can sort out the incident’s details. Moreover, in Virginia, leaving the scene of an accident is considered a criminal offense.
Immediately following the mishap, involved drivers are urged to shift into park, shut their engines, and, if the damage is not overly severe, relocate their vehicles to roadway shoulders or other locations out of the path of oncoming traffic.
2- Notify Authorities
Once the scene is safe, an accident party should notify authorities. Law enforcement’s presence often proves valuable for certain notable reasons.
First, said agencies will likely begin an immediate investigation. This means collecting appropriate evidence, taking the statements of participants and witnesses, and authoring an unbiased account based upon the information provided.
An official report typically proves paramount to any type of civil litigation. Should police accounts place less blame on a motorist, their chances for success in such proceedings increases manifold.
Additionally, police can expedite the recovery process. Representatives of said agencies possess experience handling these incidents and will prevent the situation from escalating.
3- Obtain The Appropriate Information
As the situation settles and law enforcement officials take control of the accident site, incident participants are implored to obtain pertinent information from one another, including home addresses, contact numbers, emails, and auto insurance coverage proof. Additionally, said subjects should document the make and models of the other vehicles involved in the mishap.
Furthermore, should the accident victim be physically and emotionally capable, they are firmly encouraged to gather as much evidence as possible. Such material includes photos of the damaged automobiles and documented testimony from eyewitnesses.
4- Undergo A Medical Evaluation
Thorough and concise medical evaluations are critical to successful civil actions. Should an injured motorist bring forth a lawsuit against another driver, civil law stipulates that the damages they seek be directly tied to injuries sustained during the incident and not connected to any other preexisting illness or physical malady. Ergo, obtaining immediate, documented proof of injury often proves vital to confirming such suspicions.
5- Contact The Appropriate Professional Assistance
In the days following the wreck, accident victims are urged to contact the appropriate professional assistance.
Should said individuals sustain disability-inducing injuries and maintain that other parties were responsible for causing said event, they should speak with a personal injury lawyer. Said legal expert can review the facts of the case and determine if the prospective plaintiff has a legitimate gripe.
Furthermore, the incident party should contact their auto insurance provider. This establishment might be able to provide immediate assistance like loaner cars or other coverage benefits.