When one has been involved in a road accident, he is normally confused and might end up making rushed decisions that may not be right. This can affect you later in case a court case is opened against you. An Accident Injury Attorney in Gulfport MS urges people to take caution on what they do and the decisions they make after an accident. Below are the things you should do and others you should not after being involved in a car accident.
The first thing to do is to check if you or any of your family members are hurt. In case of any reported injuries, immediately call the police hotline; the first dial should be to the police. Do not touch or try to move anything, and if you have a camera, it is advisable if you take photos of the scene.
The person who caused the accident should wait until the police officers arrive and in case he persist on leaving, ensure that you get his details or contacts and most important, the number plates of their car.
Make sure you contact the insurance company and give them details of the accident. Most insurance companies target on giving their clients little or no compensation depending on the nature of the accident. You should talk to your accident lawyer so that he can advise you on what to say.
If there are any witnesses, make sure that you get their statements soon after the accident. Waiting too long might make them forget some details that might strengthen your case.
Some insurance companies might try to convince you that they can settle you without the involvement of a lawyer. If you fall into their trap, you will get very little compensation compared to if you had a lawyer. In case you already have a lawyer, do not easily agree to outside the court settlement.
Once involved in a car accident, do not take long to inform the insurance company or to file a case. Your case might not be valid if you take too long as different states give a certain period for cases to be filed. An Accident Injury Attorney in Gulfport MS will take you through every step till you get compensated.
