Minor car accidents don’t mean the people who were a part of it, aren’t responsible for what happened. Many people think that if they settle immediately, they will avoid further legal issues, and fix the eventual damages by themselves. But, it’s not always like that, and even you have a tiny wound on you, you still may need medical attention to make sure everything is fine.
But, usually, people don’t have much time to think reasonably and decide which steps to take next. That’s why, in general, they need to always call the police, even the crash is minor, and it seems like there is no need for legal steps to be taken. But, you have to do these things for sure:
1. Stop the vehicle and get all the information you need
If the other driver decides to leave the place of the accident, try to remember as much detail as you can, including the license number, the general description of the vehicle, and stop all the people that are potential witnesses of the crash. But if they stay, exchange the needed information, so you can both settle, including the insurance details, and of course, the contact details.
2. Call your attorney to tell you what to do next
If you have a legal expert around you, call them immediately. This call doesn’t mean that you want to start a legal procedure against the other involved people. It’s more about knowing what to do, in order to activate your insurance policy, so the company can cover the medical and legal expenses, but also the eventual physical damage to your car.
3. Report the crash to the police
They need to open a claim, so you can have a document that proves there was an accident, and you are requesting some insurance coverage. Also, they will document the whole situation, and start an investigation if needed. That will be helpful in a case of a lawsuit.
4. Ask for a medical help
You may not have visible wounds or injures, but anyway, you need to visit your doctor, so they can perform a complete examination, to see if there is some brain trauma or any other injury inside the body. Try to stay as calm as you can, so they can make a relevant medical report you will be able to use.
5. Don’t negotiate and don’t leave
You shouldn’t do anything like that. You will be too euphoric after the accident happens, and the other party may interrupt the whole case if they are less emotional than you. If they leave, you shouldn’t do that. Make sure you know at least one legal office like a Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer, to represent you if needed, or support in a case you need to file a lawsuit.
These are the main legal actions you need to take if you are involved in a car accident. Once again, don’t leave the scene, so you won’t interrupt the investigation, and do a favor to the other involved party.