Although most U.S. drivers will be involved in an accident at some point in their lives, many people become complacent behind the wheel. After all, being a safe driver is enough to avoid an accident, right? Wrong…
Nobody can control the actions of negligent drivers, and on Labor Day weekend, there will be a number of factors that can lead to a wreck – namely, heavy traffic and drunk drivers.
If you are in an accident this Labor Day weekend, there are several steps you should take to stay safe and protect your interests. These measures can help strengthen your claim if you have to file a lawsuit against a negligent driver.
Four steps you should take immediately following a collision:
- Exchange Relevant Information with Other Drivers
Getting certain information from other drivers can help speed up the claims process and prevent issues with insurance companies. You should record contact and insurance info, as well as license plate numbers and the details of the vehicles, such as the make, model, year and color.
- Relocate to the Side of the Road
If possible, you should move all vehicles to the side of the road. This will not only provide you with a space to exchange information and wait for emergency services, but it will also allow traffic to pass.
- Report the Accident
You do not need to report every fender-bender; however, reporting the accident may improve your chances of recovering damages, so you may want to call the police regardless. According to the New Mexico Department of Motor Vehicles, you must file a report if anyone sustained serious injuries in the accident.
- Contact the Police If Necessary
Police presence is not always necessary after an accident; however, having an officer on the scene may help establish a more official account of what happened. It may also keep tempers calm if any arguments occur.
Planning Ahead
Though these steps can improve your chances of collecting damages for injuries sustained in an auto accident, you should still take preventative measures. Always have your insurance information easily accessible in your vehicle. Also, keep important medical information on hand for emergency responders. First-aid kits, orange traffic cones and a flashlight can help create a safer area following an accident, and you can use a disposable camera to take photos of the scene.