When you are involved in a car accident, no matter how minor it is your thoughts are usually racing as and you begin contemplating the damage that’s been done and wondering if everyone’s okay, and if you should move the vehicles from the center of the road.
One way of alleviating some of the stress is to know what to do in the aftermath of the minor car accident nobody wanted. While serious damage and/or an injury might necessitate speaking with a an attorney, most fender benders can be handled if you know what needs to be done.
Most car accidents are minor and without injury on either side. That doesn’t mean there’s no protocol to try to follow to protect yourself and your interests.
Unless there’s no damage at all, you should call the police. Your insurance company will want a police report. Even if you think the accident might be mostly or entirely your fault, don’t give your opinion to the responding officer. Just report accurately what happened and let them write up what they see and hear from those involved.
While waiting for the police, exchange information with the other driver. Either write down the info from their driver’s license, vehicle registration, license plate number, phone number, and insurance information, or take pictures.
The police will also collect this information, but accident reports can take a while before they’re available. The sooner you get important information to your insurance company, the sooner the claims process can start and your auto insurance claim can be resolved. Make sure to note what police responded to the call (local police, highway patrol, sheriff, etc.) so you know where the accident report will be. Some states offer copies online.
Finally, in most instances, don’t bother trying to negotiate a settlement on the roadside. This is why you have an auto insurance policy. Your insurance carrier and the other driver’s insurance company will hash out who was more at fault, which has a different effect in different states. Your premiums will not automatically go up because you were in an accident. Much will depend on who is determined to be the at-fault driver, the amount of damage, and the value of the cars involved. If the repair costs are greater than the vehicle’s fair market value, the insurance company will total the car.
Most important do not leave the scene of the accident until the police arrive and say you can go. Hit-and-run penalties are extremely harsh.
If you or a loved one is in a bind as a result of a criminal allegation, immediately contact a Seattle Criminal Attorney. A Seattle Criminal Defense Attorney is not going to judge you and understands that everyone makes mistakes. Hiring a Seattle Criminal Lawyer to help can – at a minimum – reduce penalties and can help direct people on how to best deal with their DUI charge, and some times even get them dismissed. So, it should go without saying that someone cited for a DUI should hire a qualified Seattle DUI Lawyer as soon as possible. DUI charges can cause havoc on a person’s personal and professional life. Anyone charged with a DUI in Washington State should immediately seek the assistance of a seasoned Seattle DUI Lawyer. SQ Attorneys can be reached at (425) 359-3791 and/or (206) 441-0900.
