If you have never been in a motor vehicle crash before, your first one can leave you disorientated. If you don’t know what to do, it could reduce your ability to get compensation.
The following tips can help you navigate what will undoubtedly be a challenging experience. Here’s how to respond to the situation:
1. Call the police
You must call the police, except in the most minor of crashes were no-one is injured and property damage is practically non-existent. If in doubt, do it anyway as it is better to have a police report you don’t need than to realize you should have gotten one but didn’t. Leaving without calling them might also lead to criminal charges.
2. Keep the conversation minimal
Some people start talking a lot when they are nervous or have just had a shock. Talking too much could harm your future claim for damages, however, because you might say something that could be construed as an admission that you were to blame for the crash. Even a simple “sorry” as an expression of regret that you’re in the situation should be avoided because it can be construed as an acknowledgement of responsibility.
3. Exchange basic information
One thing you must do is exchange details with the other driver. It might be easier to take a photo of these rather than write them down. Get their name, number, insurance details and licence plate.
4. Take pictures
Photos and videos taken with your phone camera can help determine the causes of the crash and verify that your injuries occurred in the crash. Be sure to get photos of the overall scene as well as close-ups of the damage to vehicles and people. If, of course, you are in a suitable state to do this. If you think you have suffered a spinal injury, for example, then staying still is far more important than taking photos.
5. See a doctor
An immediate medical check up is always advisable as some serious injuries are hard to spot. A medical report will also be essential to claiming for injuries.
Finally, consider legal help to navigate the compensation process. That’s the best way to protect your interests.