To ensure that your case is strong, it is important to remain at the accident scene if someone has hit your car. Regardless of whether you have sustained minor or major injuries, it is essential that you seek medical attention immediately. Once you have safely moved away from the situation, contact law enforcement to report what happened. Suppose you have been struggling with severe injuries such as traumatic brain injury (TBI), spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and other long-term effects such as paralysis or amputations.
In that case, you may consult an experienced Philadelphia car accident lawyer who will help to determine the liable parties and how to file a car accident lawsuit if you have a viable case.
In addition, it is essential to file a First Information Report (FIR) with the police. Subsequently, begin your search for eyewitness testimonies, CCTV footage and any other related evidence in order to compile as much information concerning the incident as possible.
This evidence will certainly come in handy when you file a claim for damages for compensation. Letting the insurance company know about the incident as soon as possible simplifies and expedites any lengthy claims process.
In this blog, we are going to discuss the three most common circumstances that may occur if someone damages your car. Now let’s dive in and get started!
Scenario-1 Checklist If Someone Hits Your Parked Car
If someone hits your car that is parked, you should consider the following actions:
- First, you must exchange information with the other drivers who are involved in the accident if possible. Some of the vital details to retain include the name of the driver, contact information, and insurance details.
- You may also interact with the passersby if they witnessed anything. They can turn out to be excellent witnesses. If there is CCTV installed in the parking lots, you should make every effort to get the footage. This will be helpful in hit-and-run accidents.
- Document everything about the incident scene in a narrative once you get home. If you have captured pictures, include them as they may help prove the other party’s fault.
- You should always call the police whether it is a minor accident or a serious crash. Don’t leave until law enforcement tells you to go. Running away from the scene when it is a hit-and-run accident can also lead to serious criminal charges.
You must consult with a qualified lawyer before interacting with the insurance company. A reputable lawyer will have the skills and experience needed to negotiate with the insurance companies and their attorneys to get you the compensation you deserve.
Scenario-2 What To Do If Someone Hits Your Car While Driving?
Compared to a parked car, an accident in a moving vehicle is a more dangerous type of car crash. Generally, the more complicated the physical crash, the more complicated the ensuing settlement negotiations can be.
The following actions should be taken in the case of auto collisions:
- Before doing anything else, you must park your vehicle in a safe place. You must ensure that passengers in the car are safe. Further, you must turn on your hazard lights. This will help the other drivers to get a warning that there has been an accident.
- After you are in a safe situation, you should call 911 and speak to emergency services. This will help those at the scene get medical treatment and notify the police to respond. Get a police report copy when available for future reference.
- As you are waiting for the police to arrive, you can make every effort to gather as much information as possible. This includes pictures of the vehicle license plates, injuries caused to you, and any vehicle damages. You should also capture pictures of road conditions, street intersections, and other vital details that describe the scene.
- You should notify your auto insurance company about the accident. When speaking to the insurance company, do not admit fault. You may want to talk to an attorney prior to notifying your insurance company.
Scenario-3 Steps To Be Taken If You Are Injured Severely
If you have been hit by a car and have sustained serious injuries, you should be ready for a legal battle. You may need to file an auto injury claim to get the compensation you deserve. Before you do, consult with an experienced Lawyer who has handled such types of auto insurance cases.
Suppose, the driver who has hit your car does not have auto insurance or if their insurance is not covering your damages your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage will help. UM/UIM incorporates the damages caused by the other driver only if they do not have an insurance policy. Review your insurance policy regularly to determine that you have the coverages that best suit your situation.
Regardless of your situation, your insurance coverage, or your medical prospects, the attorneys at the Law Offices of Samuel Fishman are here to help. Call us today to schedule your free consultation to discuss how to prove fault in a car accident and obtain reimbursement for your damages.