When it comes to car accidents, it’s not always clear what led to the collision or which party was at fault. These details are critical when you file an insurance claim or if you decide to pursue legal action. The last thing you want to do is rely on guesswork or make false accusations. The good news is there are some steps you can take to protect yourself and get to the bottom of what happened.
Don’t Jump to Conclusions
There are a lot of emotions involved in a vehicular accident. You may feel angry, scared, or stressed. The incident can shake you up psychologically, not to mention physically. One of your first questions may be, “What happened?” Sometimes, determining who is at fault is simple. However, if this wasn’t obvious, don’t immediately become defensive or start blaming others involved in the accident. Stay calm and under control. Be courteous to the other driver and make sure everyone is alright. Instead of getting upset, simply exchange your insurance and contact information with the other driver.
Inform the Police and Let Officers Investigate
Police officers are trained to respond to car accidents. This is not an uncommon occurrence for law enforcement officials. As soon after the accident as possible, call the police or make sure someone else does. Once officers arrive, provide a simple, factual account of exactly what happened. Don’t exaggerate details or fabricate information. Officers have the experience and skills to assess the scene and determine what caused the collision. The lead officer will file a report, which will assess who was at fault. Police may issue a citation to the person responsible for the crash.
Speak to an Attorney
If you suffered injuries in the car accident, you may seek compensation for your medical bills. Your condition may even prevent you from working and earning a wage. In this case, you may want to pursue a lawsuit so you can recover your pay. Your lawyer will review your case and take a look at the accident details. By combing over the police report and interviewing witnesses, your attorney can advise you on whether it makes sense to file a personal injury lawsuit. If this is the right course, your lawyer will direct you in seeking damages, including what to claim, and how much to ask for.
If it’s initially unclear to you who was at fault for your vehicle accident, follow these rules. You can have confidence that the professionals will do their jobs and guide you. Contact an auto accident lawyer, like an auto accident lawyer in Indianapolis, IN, for more information.
Thanks to Ward & Ward Law Firm for their insight into what to do if you aren’t sure who caused your car accident.