Being involved in a car accident is a scary experience, and if you are the at-fault driver, you may not know what to do. If the accident injured other people, you may be responsible for paying for their medical expenses and lost wages during their recovery. You may also be responsible for any damage to the other vehicles involved. To make the legal process easier for you, here are three things you should do immediately after causing a car accident.
Seek Legal Counsel
If you are responsible for the car accident, you will be held liable for any damage incurred by the other parties. However, you are entitled to legal representation just like they are. Hiring a car accident attorney can help you determine the limits of your insurance coverage so you know exactly what you are responsible for paying. In some cases, your lawyer can argue your case and reduce the amount of money you are responsible for paying. He or she can also help you navigate the nuances of the legal system until the lawsuit is settled.
Cooperate for the Police Report
Any car accident that occurs on public property must be reviewed by police. A police officer serves as a neutral third party who determines exactly what led to the crash so that the information is available for insurance companies and judges when lawsuits are involved. It can be scary to talk with a police officer right after a car crash because you don’t want to face the consequences of the accident, but it is best to cooperate. Never admit guilt, but truthfully detail the accident so that the police officer can report it accurately. This police report is the best proof you have of what caused the accident.
Visit a Doctor
Whether you caused the car accident or not, it’s a good idea to visit your primary care physician as soon as possible after the wreck. For victims, this step is important for documenting the extent of their injuries. You may not know you have been injured at first because you are more concerned with the other party or the financial expenses that may be coming in the near future, so it’s important to get checked out by your doctor quickly. He or she can find obvious or hidden injuries and treat them so that you can have one burden off of your plate.
Failing to visit the doctor after a car accident can cause some injuries to go undetected. While they may not hinder your daily activities, they could impact your future and cause problems at a later date. Get cleared early on to avoid later medical expenses. This practice allows you to navigate the process of a car accident lawsuit more quickly so you can put the incident behind you.
If you have caused a car accident, you may be scared about what lies ahead if the other drivers are pursuing lawsuits for their injuries. Using these three tips is a good way to prepare yourself for the future.
