Common Questions and Answers About Auto Accidents | In an ideal world, the roads would be perfectly safe for all and drivers would be able to get around from place to place without any risks or concerns. Unfortunately, in the real world, even with the help of safety laws and technology, the roads remain dangerous, with millions of auto accidents occurring every year in the US alone.
Even sensible drivers who follow the rules, check their mirrors, use their turn signals, and keep up with their auto maintenance can fall victim to auto accidents due to things like reckless drivers, people under the influence, bad weather, poor road conditions, and the many other factors that make accidents happen all the time.
But what would you do if you were involved in an auto accident? Many people naturally don’t like to imagine this prospect, but the truth is that, if you drive on a regular basis, there is always a chance that an accident might happen. And if you do end up in a crash or collision of any kind, it helps to have some knowledge about what to do and what sort of rights you have.
This guide will therefore be looking at some answers to common questions you might have on the subject of auto accidents. We’ll look at how auto accidents happen, what steps you should follow after an auto accident to protect your rights, and what sort of legal process you may need to follow in order to seek compensation and justice in your case.
How Do Auto Accidents Happen?
There’s no simple answer to this question, as there are lots of possible causes of car crashes and collisions. Reckless driving is one of the most common causes. This is when drivers fail to obey the rules of the road and respect the other drivers around them, engaging in dangerous activities like speeding, tailgating, and not using signals and mirrors before making turns.
Other times, accidents are caused by distracted driving, which is when drivers allow themselves to get distracted by things in or around their vehicle, taking their attention away from the road. Then, there are accidents that are caused by other factors, such as negligent pedestrians, drivers under the influence, and even bad weather conditions that impair visibility.
What Should I Do If I’m in an Accident?
This is one of the most important questions to know the answer too, as it can be very stress-inducing and scary to be in an answer, and many people simply don’t know what to do afterwards, so they end up making mistakes that damage their cases and could potentially reduce the value of any compensation they receive.
There are four main steps to follow after an accident:
- Healthcare – The first step is to make sure that you visit a hospital or doctor’s office as soon as possible. If you or your passengers have serious injuries, you may want to wait for an ambulance to arrive to take you to hospital for emergency treatment. But even if you don’t have any major or even any noticeable injuries, it’s still important to get yourself checked by a medical professional. Some injuries do not appear right away.
- Documentation – The next step is to try and document the accident as much as possible. Documenting basically involves taking photos and recording videos of the scene of the accident and any injuries you may have suffered, as well as possibly talking to any witnesses in the area and collecting their contact information in case you need additional corroboration of the events later on.
- Exchanging Information and Reporting – It’s also important to exchange information with the other driver or drivers involved in the accident, collecting as much key information about them as you can so that you can get in touch later on. You may also wish to contact the police and create an official police report of the incident.
- Contacting a Lawyer – You should also get in touch with an auto accident attorney. They’ll be able to guide you through the rest of the claims process, helping you avoid mistakes and make the right moves to get the best possible payout for your case. Without a lawyer’s help, it’s very easy to say the wrong thing and put your entire case in jeopardy, so it really is recommended to have a lawyer on your side.
What Are My Rights After an Auto Accident?
A lot of people aren’t aware of their full rights and legal protections after an auto accident. If the accident wasn’t your fault and you have suffered injuries, stress, vehicle damage, or other effects as a result of the actions of another driver or person, you could be entitled to a very large compensation settlement, with some plaintiffs receiving six-figure sums.
As a car accident victim, you not only have the right to compensation for your injuries and damages, but you also have several other rights that are important to know about, such as the right to call the police, the right to talk to any witnesses in the area, the right to document the scene, and the right to remain silent – this is key because insurance companies might ask you questions to try and make you take the blame for the crash, but you’re within your rights to stay silent and speak with your lawyer first.
How Long After an Accident Can I Make a Claim?
It’s often recommended for people to act quickly after auto accidents in order to get their cases resolved as quickly as possible, and there are many other benefits to acting fast. However, you don’t necessarily need to call a lawyer and start the claims process right away. The rules can vary from state to state, but car accident victims usually have up to two years from the date of the accident to officially make a claim.
Final Word
Hopefully, this guide has helped you understand more about auto accidents, giving you the information you need to act correctly if ever you’re involved in a crash or collision in the future.
