LEGAL ACTIONS ON ACCIDENT
Have you been in a car accident before in your life? How was your reaction and how did you manage the whole thing?
Well, When someone drives a car, they usually think of using it for work, errands, picking up the kids from school, or taking a much-needed vacation. On the other hand, driving is among the riskiest everyday activities that millions of people engage in. A report released by the Canadian Transportation Safety Board states that over 2,800 people lost their lives in 160,000 accidents across the country in 2017. Halifax had the highest collision rate, with 7.9 collisions per 100 autos, according to comparable research. Although most of us try our best to abide by traffic laws, data show that the typical driver files an insurance claim once every 17.9 years. This implies that if you acquire a driver’s license at a tender age, you will be involved in at least three collisions over your lifetime.
Well, in this content we will be showing you your legal rights and actions to take when involved in a car accident.
Here we go !!
A car accident can be a scary experience, especially if you are injured by the impact. Whether it’s a fender-bender or a serious collision, knowing the steps to take after a car accident will help ensure everyone stays safe and that you receive the benefits you are entitled to.
Here are a few things to do!!
Check Yourself for Injuries
Following a collision, you should first assess the scene to determine if it is safe to move your car out of the way from oncoming traffic. If it is not possible to pull over to the side of the road, or you have been seriously injured after being in a car accident, turn your hazard lights on and stay inside your vehicle.
The next step is to check yourself for injuries. Be extremely cautious because not all injuries are visible, and some don’t present themselves until days or weeks following a motor vehicle collision. The body releases high levels of adrenaline after a car accident. Adrenaline is a natural hormone produced during the body’s fight-or-flight response. However, one of the most important functions of adrenaline is blocking the recognition and sensation of pain. It is very common for people to feel fine directly following a car accident and wake up the next day in severe pain from injuries sustained in the crash.
Common car accident injuries
Whiplash
Head injuries and traumatic brain injuries
Spinal cord injuries
Broken bones
Lacerations (cuts)
Internal bleeding
Contusions (bruising)
Joint and soft tissue damage
Burns
Contact the Police & 911
Even if you think that you are not injured, call 911 as soon as possible to get examined by a medical professional. This also ensures that you have an official medical report for an insurance claim. You should also book an appointment with your doctor to discuss the treatment and recovery for your injuries. Be sure to comply fully with your doctor’s recommendations.
In Nova Scotia, a police report is required by law if there is more than $2,000 worth of property damage to either vehicle. If you intend to file a claim or personal injury lawsuit, a police report verifies the details of the accident. If the responding officer asks you questions at the scene, answer honestly but do not apologize or admit responsibility of any kind. Insurance companies may use your statement as an admission of fault and deny your claim.
Collect Contact Information
Typically the investigating officer will collect information from all parties involved in a car accident. However, recording this information yourself is never a bad idea. Do be mindful of limiting your conversation with the other driver involved to only the necessary exchange of contact and insurance information. Just like watching what you say in the police report, the other driver can (and most likely will) relay your conversation to their insurance company and may use your words against you.
What information to collect from the other driver after a car accident
Full name and contact information
Insurance company and policy number
Driver’s license and license plate number
Vehicle make, model, and color
If there are witnesses, you should gather their contact information as well. The insurance company or car accident lawyer may need to contact witnesses regarding your claim or personal injury lawsuit.
Gather Evidence
Gather as much information about the accident as you can. If you can, take photos and videos of the scene and your injuries. Be sure to capture all angles of the accident and resulting damage. It’s better to have too much information than not enough.
List of information to record at the scene of a motor vehicle accident
Date and time of the accident
Location of the accident
The direction you and the other driver were traveling
Photos of the damages to all vehicles involved
Photos of your injuries
Record a video or take notes on how the crash
The name, badge number, and contact information of the responding officer
Notify Your Insurance Company
A car accident claim can take time to process, delaying your access to benefits and treatment for your injuries. A good rule of thumb is to initiate the claims process as soon as possible following a car accident. If your injuries or other responsibilities prevent you from filing a claim right away, you do have some flexibility in how long it takes you to notify your insurance company.
Your policy will determine how long you have to file a claim with your insurance provider. Typically, you need to notify your insurance company within seven days of when the car accident occurred. You must file an accident benefits claim within 30 days of the accident. If your claim for accident benefits is denied, you have two years to take action against the insurance company.
If you are filing a claim through the other driver’s insurance, you should let your claims adjuster or attorney handle this interaction. The primary goal of the other driver’s insurance provider is to pay you as little as possible or deny your claim entirely. If they call you, and they will, you are under no legal obligation to talk to them.
Get An Experienced Car Accident Lawyer
If you are injured in a car accident or unsure of what benefits you are entitled to, consult a car accident lawyer before filing an insurance claim. While your insurance provider must act in your best interests, they will not advocate for the treatment and compensation you deserve.
Your attorney can advise you on what statements to disclose to your insurance provider, how to make sure you are fully compensated for damages to your vehicle, and how to ensure that you receive the best medical treatment available.
Skip Social Media
It may seem natural to post your recollection of events in the aftermath of a car accident across your social media channels. Remember that insurance companies will look for any reason to deny your claim or reduce your settlement offer. You may think uploading a picture of a family barbecue is innocent.
Conclusion
Car accidents can be mentally draining to the victims most times and that's why we are sharing ways on how to deal with it when faced with such problems. To read more of the content, follow us on Instagram.
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