Steps To Take After A Motor Vehicle Accident

Connecticut motorists may wonder what to do if they are in a car accident. If an accident is not their fault, there are a few extra steps that should be taken for protection.

The first thing to do is remain calm. An injured person should get medical attention immediately and check on others if possible. Injured people should not be moved unless it is necessary. It is best to move the cars out of the way so that they do not cause another accident.

If the accident is the fault of the other driver, it is that driver’s responsibility to report the accident to the insurance company. However, it may be important to gather insurance and contact information from that driver. The person should also take photographs and get witness statements. Although it may not be possible to introduce police reports as evidence in a civil trial, a person may still want to call the police since it could be useful in a settlement.

Away from the scene of the accident, people should take notes about any injuries and contact their own insurance company. If the other driver’s insurance company will not pay compensation, it might be necessary for a person’s own insurance company to step in. The insurance company or injured person might file a lawsuit if needed.

In some cases, a person might have more serious injuries and might be unable to take these steps. Whether the person has suffered minor or catastrophic injuries, working with an attorney might help a person get compensation for the accident. If the driver was drunk or violating the law in another way, there could be criminal charges, but an injured person might still want to file a civil suit if the insurance company’s settlement offer is insufficient.