Bad Accident? 5 Ways to Avoid Pesky Legal Issues

Unfortunately, accidents are never planned hence why they are called an accident. Therefore, when they happen numerous things need to be done very quickly. Otherwise, a simple legal situation may become very complex. To keep this from happening, there are five things that accident victims can do to protect themselves and in order to follow the law.

Take Detailed Notes

If a person is involved in an accident, it pays to take detailed notes if possible while still at the scene. Writing down the date, time, names of people involved, what led up to the accident, and more can play a pivotal role if the case goes to court. However, copies of these notes should not be given to police officers at the scene or any insurance company personnel. Instead contact a law firm such as Hammett, Bellin & Oswald LLC and turn the notes over to them for use as potential evidence in the case. With these notes, try and take photos if you can and keep them with the notes that you have already taken.

Call the Police

If an accident involves injuries to others or significant property damage, the police should be contacted as soon as possible. In fact, if more than $1,000 in damages is done to personal property or $200 damage to government property, the law requires that police be called to the scene. The police will then take statement from any and all parties involved in the accident to get an accurate report of what actually happened. This report can be accessed by all parties should any legal or insurance issues arise. Make sure that you do not leave the scene of the accident until you are dismissed by the police officer.

Photos and Videos

Thanks to cell phones, photos and videos can be taken instantaneously at virtually any accident scene. If a case goes to court or is questioned by an insurance company, these key pieces of evidence can turn the case around in a hurry. If possible, take pictures of the damage done to the vehicles, the accident scene itself, and anything else that may be relevant to the case.

Make Sure the Scene is Safe

To ensure no other damage is done or people injured, make the scene as safe as possible. If able, get vehicles moved out of the way of traffic and use flares, blinkers, or other lights to alert others to the accident scene.

Contact an Attorney

In addition to the previous steps, contacting an attorney experienced in accidents and personal injury can be crucial to getting any compensation you may deserve. Accident cases, especially auto accidents, are very complex and usually require an attorney with many years of experience in this area.

By taking these steps when involved in an accident, it may be possible to avoid many legal pitfalls later on. However, it may not be possible if any other party involved decides to pursue legal action. While it’s never guaranteed how any accident will play out in court or with insurance companies, being as prepared as possible will put the odds greatly in your favor.