Have you ever been in a car accident you caused? There are a lot of things you might want to do, but there are also a lot of things you should and shouldn’t do. What are they? What happens when you’re at fault for a car accident? The following takes a look.
What You Should Do
Just like any other car accident, you should call the police. With a police officer on scene, you will generally get an honest assessment, in writing, about what happened. By calling authorities, anyone who needs medical attention can receive it as well. You should also collect evidence and report the crash to your insurance provider.
What You Shouldn’t Do
What you should never do is admit you’re at fault. The other driver’s insurance provider might try to get it out of you. Your own insurance provider might try to get it out of you. The police officer on scene might ask you whose fault the accident was. In no case do you have to claim fault for yourself. Even if you think your actions caused the accident, there could be evidence that indicates otherwise. You wouldn’t want to compromise that situation by taking the blame on yourself.
What Happens Next
If you were at fault for a car accident, and the police report confirms it as well, you could get sued by the other driver. In that case, you’ll want an attorney on your side to help you fight it. If you honestly feel you were not at fault, it would be nice to have evidence to support your own claim. At the scene of the accident, you should have gotten contact information for witnesses, taken pictures of the scene and taken pictures of any damages done. These things can help you and your attorney dispute the claim that it was your fault.
If the accident was obviously your fault, an attorney can work with you to try and soften the consequence. You could have proof showing extenuating circumstances that forced you into the accident. You could have a medical condition that interfered. In any case, let your attorney know anything you think might help.
Contacting Your Attorney Today
Trying to navigate the legal world after an accident you caused could stress you out. Not only that, but there’s a lot to do, and it’s always nice to have someone on your side. If you were the cause of an accident, be sure you know what to do, what not to do and what happens next so the process can run as smoothly as possible. Contact your attorney today for more information.
Source: Personal Injury Attorney Indianapolis, IN, Ward & Ward Law Firm