From the moment we get behind the wheel we’re taught how to avoid accidents and why they are bad. The problem is, there is one big gap in a driver’s learning: what the proper steps are to navigate a car accident situation. For this reason, many people are left panicked and unable to handle the situation properly. This can pose many problems including not being able to file a personal injury claim if need be.
Since car accidents are happening on an ongoing basis, it’s important that every driver knows how to handle a car accident properly. No matter what your role is in the accident it can be challenging to navigate and leave you wondering what to do. However, when you’re the victim of the accident you may be left injured, confused, and face costs and expenses that you don’t know what to do with.
In the case that this risk becomes a reality, it’s important that you understand how to handle a car accident. Here are four steps to help:
1. Know your insurance policy:
Knowing your insurance policy is the best place to start. This will give you the information you need in regards to you coverage, responsibility, and rights as a driver. Before you hop into your car the next time, give your auto insurance policy a read over and make sure that it covers you substantially for any kind of accident and that you know what to do if you need to report a claim. If you have any questions or concerns about your policy it’s important that they are addressed before an accident happens.
2. Report the accident immediately:
When involved in an accident your primary responsibility is to make sure that if there are injuries that require emergencies services that you call them immediately. If this is not the case you must still call the police/attend at the collision centre (if required to do so) and call your insurance provider to report the accident if required to do so by law. If you do not report the accident to the police or your insurance provider in accordance with the laws in your specific jurisdicton you may face arguments from the defence about your ability to recover for the damages and/or injuries incurred.
3. Gather whatever information you can from the scene:
After you have reported the accident, try to gather as much information as possible. Though the police will also document this information, the more you have the better if you need to file a personal injury claim. Evidence and information such as the names of those involved, contact information, witness information, insurance information, the model and make of the car, license and registration, location, photos of the vehicle damage, date, time, if there were any injuries present at the time of the accident, and pictures of visible injuries are all great things to obtain right away.
4. Set up an appointment with a personal injury lawyer if need be:
If you have sustained injuries or damages that you believe should be compensated further you should also set up an appointment with Steven Polak and his team. Many victims of an accident don’t know that driving laws in Ontario allow a victim to fight for both accident benefits and compensation for their injuries and damages. Working with a Personal Injury Lawyer allows you to have all the information you need to navigate the steps after an accident.
It’s important to remember that every car accident is different. These steps may or may not be applicable depending on the situation at hand. It is best to contact a lawyer to discuss your specific situation and to determine what steps, if any, are appropriate in your particular situation, including those necessary to meet time-lines. It is generally a good idea to take steps to contact a lawyer right away to ensure that limitation and notice periods do not expire before you have a chance to take any necessary steps.
For more information on Steven Polak and his legal team visit law123.ca