Our Bay Area Personal Injury Attorneys Explain Post-Accident Steps to Take
No one wants to think about an accident or, even worse, being hit by a car. There are some very important steps that a person should take after an accident, particularly in terms of liability and legal action.
Our Bay Area personal injury attorneys explain what you need to do if you have been hit by a car:
1. Get Out of Harm’s Way
The first thing to do is to get out of harm’s way, move out of the road and try not to get hit by any oncoming traffic. It is not your job to redirect traffic or clean up any debris in the roadway; get out of the road to someplace safe.
2. Don’t Let Anyone Leave
Try not to let anyone leave, primarily the driver that hit you or those involved in the accident. If the person flees before police arrive, do your best to get their license plate number. Also ask witnesses to stay at the scene until the police arrive.
3. Call the Police
That brings up the next thing you should do: call the police. Don’t let anyone try to talk you out of contacting the police or you risk losing any compensation for your damages and injuries. Get the insurance and contact info for the other drivers involved while you are waiting for police to arrive.
4. Take Pictures
In today’s technological world, everyone has a cell phone with a camera. Make sure that you take a lot of photos of the area where the accident happened, the vehicles involved, and the damage to your vehicle, if applicable. This can go a long way toward establishing who is at fault.
5. See a Doctor
Even if you feel fine, seek medical attention if you have been involved in an accident. It is better to be safe than sorry, and failure to see a doctor could leave you holding the bag later when medical expenses begin adding up.
6. File a Claim
Be prompt and thorough about filing your claim with the insurance company. Call your insurance company and share with them the information provided by the other motorists at the accident scene. A San Jose lawyer can help you file a claim.
7. Talk to a Lawyer
Make sure that your own rights are being protected and talk to a San Jose personal injury attorney that specializes in personal injury and pedestrian accidents. There is often no charge to consult with a lawyer and if they represent you in a suit, there may be no costs unless you recover damages and compensation.
Our San Jose Lawyers Are Here to Help You
When it comes to insurance claims, it is often what you don’t do that causes you an issue; make sure to speak to a qualified San Jose attorney with experience dealing with insurance companies. Talk to the legal professionals at Farling, Hecht & Davis, LLP, our San Jose law firm, to determine who is liable for your injuries and how to garner compensation for your damages.