What to do After a Car Accident That’s Not Your Fault
Your actions in the immediate aftermath of a car accident are important—especially if it was not your fault. You could have a viable case for compensation from the at-fault driver, but any missteps could limit what you recover. Be strategic in the aftermath of a collision to help secure the compensation you need to heal and take care of your family. Begin by addressing your injuries with a doctor and speaking to a lawyer.
At Valiente Mott, with offices in Nevada and Utah, our hardworking and dedicated lawyers are ready to advocate for you. In the meantime, the following guide outlines the best course of action following a Utah or Nevada car accident.
What To Do After An Accident
Get To Safety and Notify the police
When accidents involve bodily injuries or notable vehicle damage, your first step should be to notify law enforcement. This not only ensures emergency medical personnel arrive, but it also is required by law. In addition, notifying law enforcement will result in a police report. The information in it could be invaluable to you as you build a winning personal injury case.
Seek treatment as needed
If you are hurt in the collision, you should seek medical care immediately. A trip to the emergency room might be necessary. Even if your injuries seem minor, don’t delay in getting evaluated and treated. Some injuries take time for symptoms to develop, for example, whiplash–you might not experience significant pain until the following day. The sooner you seek treatment, the more likely you will recover fully. In addition, it will create important documentation for your personal injury case.
Document the scene
The more evidence you can collect at the scene, the stronger your potential personal injury case might be. If you can, take photographs of the damage to your car and the other vehicle. It’s also helpful to document the weather—was it raining, foggy, or had it just started to snow? If there are commercial buildings nearby—take note. They might have captured video footage of the accident. If bystanders are nearby, ask them for their contact information because they may serve as important witnesses.
Avoid talking about the accident
Even though you were not at fault, discussing the specifics of your collision is not in your best interest. This is particularly true when it comes to the other driver or their insurance company. You are obligated to exchange insurance information with the other driver, but you should not discuss the accident beyond that. Anything you say—like an apology—could be misconstrued as an admission of fault. The less you say at the scene, the more likely you will protect your case for compensation.
Contact a Car Accident Attorney
Finally, it is vital you speak to legal counsel. An experienced car accident lawyer could help you navigate the legal system while aggressively advocating on your behalf. Reach out as soon as possible for a free consultation with Valiente Mott. Since we work on a contingency fee basis, you will not pay attorney’s fees unless we win compensation for your injuries. We look forward to hearing from you.
