According to the Association for Safe International Road Travel, 1.3 million people die due to car accidents every year. That’s an average of 3,287 deaths every single day. The numbers are alarming, especially since more and more people own a car nowadays.
If ever you get caught in a car accident, it’s important to know the things you should and shouldn’t do. Without further ado, here are the do’s and don’ts after a road accident.
Do call for help immediately
Immediately after a car accident, make sure you keep yourself in a safe spot on the side of the road then call for help. You should immediately call the authorities, regardless if you sustain injuries or not. If other passengers are hurt, they should be sent to the nearest hospital for treatment.
Don’t flee from the scene
You might want to flee from the scene following a car accident. However, it’s not advisable to do so. Regardless if you’re the one at fault or not, leaving the scene will only make you the suspect. Not only will you need to deal with the accident, but you’ll also have to deal with the authorities who might charge you with fines or even put you to jail.
Do take photographs of the scene
Whenever possible, take photographs of the accident. These will serve as evidence and will greatly help you get a proper compensation. Your photos should include any traffic signs present, damage to your car, your injuries, and an overview of the accident.
Don’t throw away any possible evidence
If you take your car for a repair, you have to make sure not to dispose of any possible evidence. The damaged parts on your vehicle could be used as evidence, and in most cases, you’ll have to show them to the authorities so they can get an idea of the accident.
Do seek legal assistance
If the accident is due to the negligence of another driver, seeking legal assistance is necessary to get a proper settlement. If you get caught in an accident in Seattle, you need to hire the services of a car accident attorney Seattle. Since a car accident attorney has all the knowledge regarding car-related cases, your chances of getting a full compensation are higher than doing it alone.
Also, it’s impossible to process, let alone win, your case if you sustain multiple serious injuries.
Don’t admit fault
Regardless if you think you are the one at fault or not, don’t ever admit fault in any way. While you can exchange information with the other driver, make sure to avoid admitting your fault. Doing so will only cause them to use that information against you. As a result, you won’t be able to get any compensation, not to mention you’ll have to pay for the repairs of his car and his medical expenses.
Conclusion
While it’s not possible to completely avoid car accidents, it’s possible to get help if ever you suffer from one. By taking these do’s and don’ts in mind, you can have a peace of mind knowing that your expenses and car repairs will get covered.