By Rex Curtis Bush, Doctor of Jurisprudence, Attorney at Law
There are about 6 million car wrecks or accidents that happen each year. Not all of those include injuries though. Most just involve cars getting damaged. Every American that drives should know how to handle things if an accidents occurs.
Of course before anything else is covered lets say that no one in an accident should ever leave the site of the accident. You can pull over to get out of traffic if you are able though. So remember this above everything because you can get in a lot of trouble with the law for hit-and-run accidents.
The first thing to do on the scene is to see if anyone has injuries. In the even that everyone is alright proceed to call the police so that they can make their necessary reports. But if someone is hurt call 911 instead to get an ambulance. Only move the injured person if they are in danger of being hurt more by staying in the car.
If the other driver is able, get all their insurance information and their contact information. Also see if any witnesses are there and get their contact information. Also ask them if they are willing to testify to what they saw.
After this you need to wait for the police to come to make a report. While you are waiting if you have a camera or cell phone take some pictures. Pictures are great for your accident claim to the insurance company.
You may think about calling your insurance company while you wait for the police too. They like to know these things right away. They can tell you how to do the claim procedure. The claim process is a bit different with all companies.
Make a written record of what happened while it is fresh in your mind. You will need it when answering questions about the crash. The insurance companies will be calling you for your version of the accident.
Now you may wonder if your car is totaled how insurance companies figure the value of the car. Well the car insurance company takes into consideration the age of the car and the replacement value of the car. The insurance company also takes into account how much it would take to fix the car. Hopefully the figure the company comes up with will be enough. It is usually somewhere between 51 and 90 percent of the car's worth.
If you don't agree with the figure that you get quoted try negotiating a better settlement. Sometimes you can talk them higher. But many times this can be hard, but don't give up without a fight.
If someone gets hurt in the car accident though the claims will also involve medical payments and possibly a lawsuit. This is why it is so important for you to insure yourself enough for protection. If you get sued and have enough insurance then it is the insurance that pays, not you personally.
If you have questions about your rights call a local injury lawyer. Most give free consultations. Even if you don't have a case they accept, the advice they give can prove very useful.
Rex Bush is founder of Bush Law Firm near Salt Lake City, Utah where he handles personal injury cases in Utah and throughout the United States. For more information on personal injury issues visit his website: http://www.utah-personal-injury-attorney.com
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