10 Things You Can Do to Protect Yourself after an Accident

No one wants to get into a car accident, but if you do, you need to protect your best interests. Here are 10 ways to do just that.

1. Injuries first. If you, or anyone at the scene, are seriously injured, make sure paramedics are onthe way. Lend help as best as you are able. Safety and human lives always come first.

2. Be aware of the road. Other traffic may not know that there’s an accident and could hit your car or someone standing on the road. This is especially true at night, on hills, or near bends in the road. Make sure all vehicles are off to the shoulder or find a way to alert approaching traffic;also, never stand in the road.

3. Tell someone if you’re moving your car. If you need to move your car to get out of the way of traffic, tell the other driver. You don’t want to be wrongly accused of a hit-and-run.

4. Never admit fault. It’s natural to want to apologize and try to smooth things over, but this goodnatured courtesy can be used against you. Do your best to stay calm and not to take blame for the accident.

5. Take photos. A picture is worth a thousand words, especially when it comes to proving your statement to an insurance agent or a jury. If it’s safe to do so, take picture of both vehicles, up close to see the damage, and farther out to see their positions relative to each other. Take photographs of people who are injured, too.

6. Call the police. You need a police report to make sure you get fair compensation. 7. Report the accident to your insurer. You need to cooperate with your insurance company, and

you need to make sure you move quickly. Many insurance companies have deadlines for how quickly you must file appropriate reports after an accident.

8. Call a lawyer. Even if just to consult and discuss your case, you need to make sure you are not missing out on any of the legal options available to you. Talk to a qualified personal injury lawyer right away.

9. Never sign anything the other insurance company gives you. Don’t agree to give them a written or recorded statement, don’t take a check from them, and don’t sign anything unless your own attorney says you should sign.

10. Keep all records. Any kind of paperwork generated following the accident, from repair estimates to letters from insurers, should be kept.

Sinclair Law specializes in personal injury law and we’re here to help you. If you’re injured in a car accident we will help you get everything yopersonal injury lawu deserve. You won’t find a better attorney, so call Sinclair Law today.