CAR ACCIDENTS IN US: Car Accident - Common Mistakes People Make

Experts estimate that around 93% of all car accidents are the result
of poor driving, intoxication, and other human factors. If you have
been involved [1] in a car accident [2], it is your legal right to
seek compensation for the physical injuries and mental trauma that you
suffered. Yet every year, many people do not get adequate compensation
because they overlook a few basic but crucial steps. Knowing what to
do and what to avoid after a car accident [3] can maximise your
chances of getting full compensation. Here's what you should keep in
mind:

*DON'T panic and run away from the accident [4] scene.*

*DO stay and record all details.*

The pain, shock, and confusion you experience immediately after an
accident [5] may cause you to leave the accident [6] spot immediately.
If you were seriously injured, you would need medical help. However,
avoid panicking and running away from the accident [7] scene. Not only
is fleeing from an accident [8] spot illegal, it will also weaken your
case even if you were not at fault.

The first thing to do after an accident [9] is to stay calm and record
all the details in a diary. This includes recording:

o Contact details (names, telephone numbers, addresses, etc.) of all
the people involved [10] including the drivers, passengers, and
pedestrians.

o Vehicle details such as make, registration number, insurance company
details, colour, headlights and indicators (on or off), etc.

o Accident [11] details such as how it happened, whether signal was
red or green, how fast were the cars, etc.

o Time and date of the accident [12]

o External conditions such as visibility, weather, street lighting,
etc. that could influence the accident [13]

o Damages to both vehicles

Always keep a pen and diary in your car. Also, use your mobile phone
camera or any other camera to take photos of the accident [14] site.
This will serve as important evidence when you file your claim for
compensation.

*DON'T admit fault.*

*DO share details with the other party.*

After a car accident [15], the other party will most likely try to
pinpoint the blame of the accident [16] on you. In the confusion that
arises after an accident [17], you may not remember much about what
happened. You may also mistakenly believe you caused it. Only a
complete investigation into the circumstances of the car accident [18]
will reveal who was at fault. Admitting that it was your mistake will
reduce your chances of receiving adequate compensation.

At the same time, cooperate with the other party when they ask you for
details such as your phone number and address. Not giving details
after a car accident [19] is an offence.

*DON'T ignore legal formalities.*

*DO contact the necessary authorities.*

After you have recorded evidence, the next important step is to inform
the police within 24 hours of the accident [20]. Get your statement
recorded. Provide your insurance documents at the time of reporting
the accident [21]. Discuss the accident [22] in detail with the
police, but as mentioned before, do not discuss your fault or
liability.

Also, call up your insurance company immediately and let them know if
you intend to file a claim for compensation. If you do not notify them
within the time limit mentioned in your policy, the insurance company
may refuse to compensate you.

*DON'T ignore injuries, even if they are minor.*

*DO see a doctor.*

See a doctor immediately after a car accident [23], even if you have
not suffered major injuries. The medical examination report is one of
the most important documents for filing a compensation claim.

*DON'T sign any document.*

*DO speak to an experienced attorney.*

Insurance companies and their claim adjusters will try their best to
reduce the compensation amount that you receive. They will negotiate
with you or make you sign documents that you may not understand. The
most important thing to do after a car accident [24] is speak to an
attorney with experience in car accident compensation claims. An
experienced attorney will guide you through the claim process, help
you negotiate with the insurance companies, and ensure that you get
the compensation amount you deserve.

Diana Joseph has an in-depth knowledge in dealing with in injury
claims. She has written numerous articles on injury claims issues,
particularly those involving car accident [25] and other topics of
claims.

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software [26] from
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CAR ACCIDENTS IN US

Thứ Sáu, 29 tháng 4, 2011

Car Accident - Common Mistakes People Make

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