There are several instances when a driver knows that they are not the one at fault when some other driver hit their car and inflicted damage. Now, when a victim has appropriate knowledge about such situations, they can definitely make appropriate claims regarding their car. However, there are some points that need to be considered when making a claim.
Firstly, a victim should try calling the police to the scene of accident as soon as possible. Whenever a driver comes across any such situation, they need to call the authorities immediately. This is necessary because they need to have a record of the scene of accident in order to have a testimony that may be required later on. Moreover, in case of any injury inflicted on the victim’s part, they must also seek medical assistance right away. This is mandatory.
The victim must also get hold of the details of any other party involved in the accident scene irrespective of whether someone is the victim or the inflictor. The law entitles drivers to know the details of the other party involved, so they may decide about the legal proceedings and consult their injury lawyer or accident lawyer. In addition, the victim is also required to provide their details to the other party. Make sure to exchange the addresses, names and relevant contact information.
If someone has been carrying a camera or a cell phone with a camera, they can take pictures of the accident scene, as this helps as evidence in the victims favor when they make an accident claim. Make sure that the damaged portion of car is the focal point in pictures as is the name of place or street of where the accident occurred. Such simple pieces of evidence may help tremendously during court proceedings and may result in a successful accident claim.
Now, the next step is to gather information about the witnesses present as this will later help both the victim and their lawyer. Some may ask why they have to do all the basic work. Well, this is because if they have been the primary victim or inflictor of the accident and therefore they have the opportunity of gathering first-hand evidence. Once they have gathered the contact information of any immediate witnesses, the individual and their personal injury lawyer may work together to build a strong case.
There are few things that someone ought to watch out for when filing accident claims. If someone has to file an accident claim for their car, they should not delay it as usually the owner of the car needs to file the claim within a period of 3 years after the accident happened. The exemptions in this rule include children. Make sure that someone has the contact details of the police officer involved in the case and have a copy of the medical report because it may serve as a supportive document for a case. Moreover, make sure that you have not overlooked another important step which is to have hired a competent and reliable personal injury lawyer to help with legal matter surrounding a case.
With all these things in mind, anyone involved in an accident should know how to act both immediately after an incident and how to approach the situation from a legal standpoint afterwards.
