There are plenty of reasons a car accident can happen in Detroit. It could be because of the weather. Someone wasn’t paying attention at a traffic light. Whatever the cause, you were in an accident. Before you look for a car accident attorney in Detroit, you should make sure that you do certain things and avoid doing others.
Do: Get Medical Attention
This depends on how severe the accident was. You might have to get in an ambulance right away. If not, see a medical professional as soon as possible. Some symptoms don’t appear until a day or two later. Plus, you want to make sure there were no internal injuries. You also need to do it so that you can start a paper trail that can document that you were hurt.
Don’t: Apologize
You might think this bit of advice sounds mean. You were taught to be upfront and say you’re sorry if you caused something. That’s perfect if you happen to knock over a glass. In this scenario, it’s not a good idea. That’s because the other person could use that apology against you if either of you pursues litigation against the other. It’s best to just be quiet and just stick to the basics.
Do: Exchange Information
You need to have the other driver’s contact information and insurance. In turn, they should have yours. That way, the third-party people, like the insurance and the lawyers, can start their work fairly quickly. Always have it on you when you’re driving.
Don’t Drive Off Without Talking to Anyone or Giving Information
The last thing you want is to have a “hit-and-run” charge sent your way. Be sure you stay on the scene until any authority figure, like a police officer, give you the OK to be able to leave. Communication is at a premium when it comes to this. By making sure you do the correct thing, you’ll give yourself the best chance of a strong outcome.
Do: Take Pictures of the Damage to Your Vehicle
It’s important to have definitive proof that something happened. Taking photos is a much simpler process — everyone has a smartphone, and it’s simple. All you need to do is use the phone to take those photos, and then you can upload them to the insurance company through their app. That can shave off a lot of time and stress.
Being in an accident can be very discombobulating, for sure. By doing the above things and avoiding the other two, you’ll greatly improve your chance of being reimbursed, whether it’s for an injury or a badly-damaged vehicle. Then you’ll be glad you did.
