Auto Accidents - Protect Yourself

Auto accidents can be very stressful if you don'tLook for any excuses that they give when speaking
know what to do. The following are some tips in casewith you, such as I'm tired, I am sick, or I am drunk. Also
you are involved in an auto accident. First of all, makenotice if they say they are OK. At least you'll have this
sure everyone is ok. If anyone isn't ok, thendocumented if they go back and say that they are are
immediately call 911. By OK, I mean, needing medicalsuffering from a neck injury.
attention. For example a broken bone, concussion, orAs far as police reports go, depending on which state
serious cut.you are in the law may require a police report to be
If you aren't hurt, then you want to make sure you dofiled. In alot of cases, if injury occurs, or if the property
the right thing and protect yourself. There are alot ofdamage exceeds a certain amount, a police report
people out there that will frivolously sue, so you wantmust be filed. I recommend calling 911 and informing
to make sure and handle yourself properly. Don't angerthem of the accident. If you call it may help show that
or upset the person you are involved in a wreck with.you weren't trying to hide anything.
You don't want to give them any more motivation toThe next step is dealing with an insurance company.
sue you.This can be a serious headache depending on how
The next thing you want to do is identify the driver.willing your insurance company is. First of all, you have
Make sure that they don't try to switch drivers. Ina certain time frame that you have to make your
some cases involving drinking, people have beenclaim in. Your policy should outline this grace period.
known to switch drivers. Get the drivers licenceOnce you contact them, they will ask you some
number and address.questions and may even try to get a recorded
If you notice the other person has been drinkingconversation from you. If they want a recorded
heavily, a trick i've used before is i called myself on myconversation, then I would suggest hiring an attorney. If
cell phone and it recorded them on my voice mail. Thisyou look hard, you'll be able to find one at a reasonable
may or may not be used in court, but when it comescost. Another bit of advice when dealing with
time to make a claim, you can use the fact that youinsurance companies, is, 'Don't be a pushover.' Let them
have a recorded conversation of them drunk with theirknow you won't back down easily if you don't get
insurance company. This will help you.what you deserve.
Another tip, is look for witnesses if it was their fault.Getting in auto accidents is never a good situation, but
Neutral 3rd party witnesses can be very helpful if youtaking the right steps can ensure that it doesn't get
find them.much worse.