Three Things You Need To Do If You're At Fault In An Automobile Accident
Posted on: 10 October 2017
When driving, all it takes is one small mistake to cause an auto accident. If you know that you are at fault or partially at fault for a vehicular incident, there are certain things that you should and shouldn't do. Check out these guidelines for guidance as to how you should conduct yourself after a wreck you that is your fault.
1. Keep Conversation to a Minimum
If you know your actions caused the accident, you may be tempted to apologize to the other driver for causing the accident. Out of nervousness, you might try to explain your actions to the other driver or the police officer.
However, it is possible that the other driver is partly at fault for the accident. Depending on the events, the insurance company may decide to assign a certain degree of fault to each driver. It is important to avoid saying anything that can incriminate you and make it look like the accident is entirely your fault.
Be kind and cooperate with the officer's questions and request for personal information. Don't argue with the other driver about who caused the accident; save any details for your report with the insurance company.
2. Call a Police Officer
You may believe that for minor accidents, you don't need to call the police. However, a police officer is a neutral third party who can provide non-biased insight concerning the details of your accident. The officer will write a police report that objectively reports the details of the accident.
For example, the other party may try to claim that because you rear-ended their automobile, you are entirely at fault. However, the police report can provide valuable details concerning driving conditions and the actions of the other driver, such as failure of the other driver to have working brake lights.
3. Contact an Attorney
It is common for the attending police officer to write the at-fault party a traffic ticket for causing the accident. If you receive a ticket, it is important that you contact an attorney, like Helfand, David PA, who specializes in dealing with the aftermath of auto accidents. Your attorney can help you plead your ticket down to a lesser change. You may have to attend traffic school or a defensive driving course in exchange for having your ticket reduced.
If the injured party is unhappy with your insurance company's settlement offer, a lawsuit may be filed to obtain a larger settlement. Your attorney can help you navigate this lawsuit, appear in court on your behalf, and advise you as to what a fair settlement is for your accident.
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