Vehicular Accidents: If This Doesn't Happen To You Now Then
Expects For It Later
You can hear people say that owning a vehicle is like signing
your own death sentence. In some way this saying may contain
some truth to it. You may be very careful when driving but then
there would always be those careless few. So the best thing is
for you to prepare for the inevitable. There are safety driving
tips as well as things to do during an accident that every
driver ought to know.
Let us first discuss the safety tips:
1. Check everything from your car tires, to your car's brakes to
every single screw and bolts you can find in order to ensure the
running condition of your car.
2. Check all the lights if they are working and then check also
the oil (brake fluid, engine oil, etc).
3. Check if your radiator has water
5. Bring along your first aid kit, camera, emergency lights,
repair tool box and early warning devices.
6. See if you have photocopied all pertinent papers of your
vehicle like insurance policies, your vehicle's registration
receipt and your driver's license.
7. Check your mirrors.
8. Don't forget to buckle up before driving away. Seatbelts may
be uncomfortable but they are proven to save lives.
But if in spite of your safety precautionary measures still you
meet an accident then don't be too hard on yourself. Don't panic
and stay calm. Follow these simple rules during accidents:
1. Never leave the scene of the accident, no matter how slight
the collision is. If you have a camera the better because you
can photograph right away the position of your car with
reference to the car you collided with. Especially if you are
not the one at fault, the picture will help prove your
innocence. Aside from that, leaving the accident scene will
imply guilt so the more that you should stay.
2. If you are not badly injured try to help those persons that
have been hurt in the accident. This is the reason why you need
to have a first aid kit in your car. After applying first aid
treatments, call a doctor or an ambulance or call 911. Then try
helping until professional help arrives. But then as a reminder:
although it is required of you to help but if you have no
experience in giving first aid then it would be best not to try
giving one especially for those that have fractured or broken
bones because instead of helping you might just aggravate the
whole injury. So the wisest thing to do is to call for help.
3. Don't forget to call the police. Law officers are better
equipped to handle vehicular accident situations. And besides
your insurance will later demand for the accident report that
can only be supplied by police officers.
4. Don't forget to know your collision party. Most state law
requires for the driver of any vehicle involved in an accident
to give his name, address, driver's license and license number
of the vehicle he is driving to the other party. However, if you
collide with an unattended vehicle it is mandated by law that
you look for the owner of the vehicle and give him your name and
address in anticipation of future claims for damages. But don't
give no more information than the law requires. This is also for
your protection.
5. Try to write down certain information regarding the accident
like the names and addresses of all the witnesses around. These
witnesses may be important for future legal actions. Take note
of all important aspects of the collision and then if possible
diagram the exact position of the vehicles before and after the
accident. If you can photograph the scene of the accident then
so much the better. Likewise, make notes of skid marks as well
as the distance of the damaged vehicles.
6. Even if you were not hurt, it is still important that you see
a doctor. This is because certain accidents tend to have post
traumatic symptoms which need to be treated in its earliest
signs possible.
7. Don't forget to notify your insurance company and then
cooperate with them in their investigation. This will not only
hasten their investigation but will ensure that you get paid for
your claims.
8. There may be an arrest that would commence involving either
you or the other party. The one with the greatest guilt will
likely to be arrested. If ever you are arrested it is important
that you obtain legal advice the soonest possible time.
9. Know your rights including your rights to counsel.
10. Know the amount of damages that you are entitled to. If ever
you loose your job due to sustained injuries or even suffered
the loss of properties then it is not only the obligation of
your insurance to pay you but it is also the responsibility of
the party with whom you have accident with.
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Accident Lawyer