By: Matthew H. Fry, Esq.
[email protected]
It’s that time of year again with the extreme cold and bad weather finally upon us. With the first major storm approaching, you can expect more than a few road hazards and unfortunately, car crashes. Please be careful if you have to drive in inclement weather, but if you have to travel and have the misfortune of being involved in a car crash, here are some suggested tips that might come in handy.
• After a car crash, make sure that everyone is OK. Call 911 immediately if you or anyone else needs medical assistance.
• You also should make sure you request the dispatcher to send the police as it helps to have a police report filed in any car crash. In addition, some insurance policies require that the police must be contacted in a given time frame if a hit-and-run occurs.
• If you can still move your vehicle, try to find a safe place away from traffic to wait for emergency services to arrive.
• Many people have a burst of adrenaline after a car crash. Although it may be difficult to stay calm, keeping a level head is important to keep others calm.
• Avoid admitting guilt to anyone at the car crash, even if you believe that it may be your fault. Just give the facts about how the car crash happened to the police. Quite often, you will find that on the back of your insurance card are instructions on what to say and what to ask when a car crash occurs.
• Make sure to exchange insurance details with the other drivers, including their full name, insurance company, and policy number. Taking a picture of their insurance card is an easy way to get the important information.
• Record the scene. Either by taking pictures or video with your smartphone or keep a disposable camera available in your vehicle. Make sure you are standing in a safe area before taking any pictures or video.
• Take notes if you have paper and pencil available or use the voice recorder in your smartphone to record details of the crash. Doing this as soon as you can after the crash will preserve critical details that could otherwise be forgotten.
• Make sure you report the car crash to your insurance company immediately. Some insurance policies have a time limit for when you can report a claim so don’t hesitate.
• If you do not receive medical attention immediately after the car crash, be aware of any aches or pains that may arise after the crash and get checked out by your doctor.
If you are in a car crash that was not your fault, or a passenger in a vehicle and suffered any injuries that require medical attention, you may be able to file a personal injury claim.
If you need legal advice about your legal rights to file a claim, the attorneys at DiOrio & Sereni, LLP can help you answer your questions. Contact Matthew H. Fry, Esquire at 610-565-5700, or send an e-mail at [email protected]
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