No one wants to be involved in a car accident no matter how minor it may be. Even with a small accident, the process of resolving the issue can be timely and unnerving. If you are ever in a car accident and it is your fault, you should remember to do several things to make future proceedings go a little smoother for you.
Never Admit Guilt
Never admit that you are guilty of causing the car accident. You should not mention it to the people in the other car or even any passengers in your car. In fact, when the investigating officer at the scene of the accident questions you, do not admit you are guilty. You should present the facts of the accident the way you remember them. It may appear you were the cause of the accident; however, there may be circumstances or situations that actually caused the automobile accident that you are not aware of at the time.
Check for Injuries
Check to see if you or the other driver has any injuries, in addition to the passengers of the vehicles. Try to assess the severity of the injuries of anyone who was hurt in the crash. You may need this information when you make the 911 call. If you have doubts about whether or not someone was injured, go ahead and call 911.
Call Police/Call 911
If the car accident is minor, you can call the police. If you call 911, the dispatcher will dispatch all the services you will need to the site of the car accident. A police office is dispatched to interview and make a report. If one of the vehicles is on fire, the closest fire department will dispatch firefighters. If someone is injured or if an injury is suspected, an ambulance is dispatched to the scene. The emergency medical services dispatched are usually the closest ones to the accident.
Refrain from Arguing
Do not argue with the driver or any passengers. Keep your distance if the other driver becomes combatant. Do not say you are sorry because it can be misinterpreted as an admission of guilt.
Take Pictures and Notes
If you have a camera or a cell phone with a camera, you should take pictures of the damage done to both cars. If you are unfamiliar with the area, be sure to take pictures to help you when you need to provide details later. Jot down notes while the accident is still fresh in your mind.
Exchange Insurance Information
You can exchange information before the investigating officer arrives at the scene or you can wait until the officer investigates and writes a report. You will need to contact your insurance company to notify them of the accident and expected claim.
There are things you should remember if you become involved in a car accident and it is your fault. Remaining calm will help you remember some of the things you need to do and say. Try not to panic, get angry, or get involved in an altercation. Wait until the police arrive to discuss the accident, and when doing so, discuss the facts as you remember them. Contact an auto accident attorney for more information.
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