Auto Accidents
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Admitted in DC, WA & NY
Auto accidents can happen to anyone. You can protect your rights by doing the right thing after an accident occurs.
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
If you are in an accident, it is important to obey the law and stay at the scene of the accident, and assist if you can do so without causing further injury. You should be careful to avoid traffic around you, and use hazard lights or flares to alert oncoming traffic of the problem.
You should report the accident to the police as soon as possible after it occurs. In many urban areas, the police may not come out to a minor accident, but you should notify them anyway. However, if someone is injured, the police should be notified as soon as possible so that they can clear the scene. If the police do come, be sure to get a copy of the accident report.
Aside from seeking necessary medical attention, the most important thing to do after an accident is to exchange information with the other driver. You should note the tag number on the other car, and ask to see the registration and owner's insurance information. You should also get the driver's name, address, phone number, and insurance company name and policy number.
You should also get the name, address and phone number of any passengers or witnesses, and the name and badge number of any police who come to the scene.
Do not admit responsibility. When you are talking to the other driver and the police, anything you say may be later used in litigation. You should tell the truth to the police, but remember that you only have one view of what happened. After hearing what other witnesses have to say, it may turn out that you were mistaken in your original belief regarding who was at fault. If you have said you thought it was your fault, you or your insurance company may end up having to pay for both your damages and the other drivers.
After the accident, you should consult with your own doctor about any injuries you may have suffered. It is important to follow your doctor's advice. You should also file an accident report with the division of motor vehicles within a few days of the accident. Failure to report an accident is against the law, and could lead to points on your license, fines, or other penalties.
Of course, you will want to notify your insurance agent as soon as possible. Most health insurance policies exclude coverage for auto accidents. Your doctor will want to file a claim under the PIP provision of your policy to get paid for treating you for any injuries. PIP will also pay you your lost wages due to injuries from the accident. Also, your policy may deny coverage altogether if there is any reasonable delay after the time of the accident.
REMEMBER
- You should report the accident to the police as soon as possible
- If the police do come, be sure to get a copy of the accident report
- The most important thing to do after an accident is to exchange information with the other driver
- You should also get the name, address and phone number of any passengers or witnesses, and the name and badge number of any police who come to the scene.
- Do no admit responsibility.
- After the accident, you should consult with your doctor about any injuries you may have suffered.
- You should file an accident report with the division of motor vehicles within a few days of the accident.
- Of course, you will want to notify your insurance agent as soon as possible.
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