What To Do After A Rhode Island Car Accident That’s Not Your Fault
Wondering what to do after a minor car accident or a serious fender bender? Warwick car accident lawyer, Bryan Nappa, is here to help.
Whether they result in minor property damage or serious injuries, a Rhode Island car accident can be chaotic and frightening. Even when you’re not at fault, the adrenaline and shock can leave your mind spinning. You might not be thinking clearly at the scene, so it’s important to learn what to do ahead of time. Here’s a guide as explained by aRI car accident lawyer.
I had a car accident. What should I do first?
It can be tough to keep your cool after an accident. You might be angry at the other driver, or in too much shock to process the situation. But the initial moments after a car accident are important for building your case later on.
If you find yourself at the scene of a RI car accident, remember to follow these important steps:
1: Stop your car and move to a safe spot
No matter how minor an accident is, always stop at the scene. Failing to stop can result in a Rhode Island hit and run charge being leveled against you–even if the accident wasn’t your fault. You’ll need to exchange insurance information with the other driver and report the accident.
If you’re still able to drive your vehicle, move it to the side of the road or to another safe spot. Staying in the flow of traffic can put you and other drivers at risk for a multi-car pileup.
If you or someone else is hurt, or if you can’t move the vehicle, then you may need to leave it as is. Put your hazard lights on to alert other drivers. The Rhode Island state police recommend remaining in your vehicle until emergency personnel arrives. But if your car is at risk of catching fire, you should leave it immediately and go to a safe place.
2: Assess Injuries and call for help
Once you’re in a safe place, call 911 or the police. If someone else is injured, don’t attempt to move them unless it would be dangerous to leave them where they are. Moving an injured person might make their injuries worse. Leave them where they are unless you’re medically trained.
If you’re injured, NEVER REFUSE TREATMENT AT THE ACCIDENT SCENE–no matter how mild you think it might be. Even if you feel fine, high adrenaline levels might be disguising the full extent of your injuries. Refusing to accept treatment could hurt an insurance or Rhode Island personal injury claim later on. If an emergency responder wants to take you to the hospital, let them.
If you’re taken to the hospital, keep track of all the medical providers you see. Your medical record is one of the most important pieces of evidence for filing an insurance claim or a personal injury case.
3: Exchange information with the other driver
If you weren’t taken to the hospital, try to exchange information with the others involved in the accident.
Exchange your name, number, address, driver’s license number, and insurance information with the other driver. If the other driver doesn’t want to share, don’t become aggressive or confrontational. Wait until the police arrive, and let them handle the situation. If you suspect that the other driver might attempt to flee the scene, jot down their license plate number or take a picture with your phone.
Don’t be afraid to ask for the names and contact information of any witnesses, as well. You might need them to testify about the accident later or make statements that support your claims.
4: Get a Copy of your Accident report
Obtain a copy of your Rhode Island accident report from the police, if possible. You can usually obtain it from the responding officers. However, if the accident is under investigation, you won’t be able to obtain a report until the investigation is complete. To access a Rhode Island accident report online, you can follow the instructions on the Rhode Island State Police’s website. Most accident reports are available 72 hours after the report was taken.
5: Document the accident scene
The crash site contains some of the most vital evidence for your case. This is the time to record as much information as possible.
If you don’t have any serious injuries, use your phone to take pictures and videos of the immediate aftermath. Record any damage to the vehicles themselves and the surrounding area. Take notes or record voice memos while the details of the accident are still fresh in your mind. Include information about the weather, visibility, and the direction that both vehicles were heading. If you have a dashcam that captured the incident on video–that’s even better.
Traffic cameras or security cameras might have caught the accident on video. You or your Rhode Island personal injury lawyer can contact store or property owners to ask for footage later on.
6: Contact a RI car accident lawyer and your insurance company
Some people believe that you have to call your insurance company at the scene of the accident. This is a myth. You’re not required to report the accident at the scene in Rhode Island. In most cases, it’s a good idea to calm down and collect your thoughts before talking with an insurance company.
Although you might think that you have a cut-and-dry case, an insurance company might not agree. An insurance company’s main priority is to minimize its own financial loss. That’s true whether they’re your insurance company or the other driver’s. They may try to twist your words out of context or offer you a lowball settlement offer.
This is why it’s imperative to talk to a Rhode Island car accident lawyer as soon as possible. An experienced attorney can deal with insurance companies on your behalf and help you make your case.
Who’s the best Rhode Island car accident lawyer?
If you’ve been involved in a Rhode Island car accident, Warwick RI car accident and personal injury lawyer Bryan Nappa is here for you. As a top Rhode Island personal injury lawyer, rest assured attorney Nappa and his team have seen it all
Attorney Bryan Nappa will be at your side throughout this stressful and complicated process. He can work with an insurance company on your behalf, help you gather evidence to strengthen your claim, and even file a lawsuit to help you get the compensation you deserve.
He and his team will be dedicated to your well-being every step of the way. Contact his office today to learn more.