Road traffic accidents happen every day, and according to WHO statistics, they take 1.5 million lives as its toll every year. Drivers, strollers, bikers, cyclists, and anyone who uses the road are all at risk. Considering the inevitability of the event, we must know the right legal steps to take in such a situation.
Calling the Police
First, you must realize that you don’t take justice in your hands. Finding out who has committed the mistake in an accident can lead to a law violation. You should leave the law to the police officers. What you should do instead is to make sure that the injured help immediately by reaching the police hotline.
Second, you must cooperate well with authority. Even if you are sure that you are the victim, you must follow the police’s instruction. Being the sanest one in a critical situation will make your voice heard and will affirm your stance in the case. Even when you get hurt in a car accident, and then you realize it as a hit-and-run, you must not chase the driver on your own. It will put you, the driver, and everyone else on the road in a dangerous situation. Also, if anything wrong happens in that car-chase scenario, you will be held liable.
Exchanging Information
If possible, you should approach the driver and ask for his/her ID card and insurance availability. Try to talk with reasons and put aside your anger because getting involved in a road brawl can put you in legal trouble.
If no good intention comes from the driver, then you should inform the police officer who comes to the scene. You must explain to the officer about all the things that have happened, and you emphasize that you have initiated a suitable manner.
Calling Your Insurance
If you own an auto-insurance, you have to inform the company about the accident as soon as possible. The adjuster will evaluate the event and decide how much damage is worth the compensation money. Most insurance policies also cover liability issues, which usually have a quick expiration date. If you are too late to report the event, the expense may not be covered at all.
Resolving matters through insurance is also the most convenient way in a road-accident case. If you are a stroller who gets hit by a car, then your health insurance can protect you from all of the unexpected expenses on healthcare.
You must remember that insurance companies make money when the policyholders do not claim or are not eligible for the benefits. You must make sure that you follow the claim procedure thoroughly and document the whole process. If you cannot get what you have been promised for, do not hesitate to get assistance from an insurance dispute lawyer.