Car accidents are fairly common occurrences, but they are scary nonetheless. If you are the party at fault in the accident, this just adds to the worry and stress you already feel. It can be hard to think straight at the scene of an accident and you may not be sure of what to do. Whether a car accident is your fault or not, there is a certain protocol you should always follow.
Survey the Scene. The first thing you should do after the accident occurs is make sure no one is seriously injured. You should check yourself and any passengers in your car first, and then assess the status of the people in the other car.
Call the Police. Even though sometimes an accident can seem very minor to you, it is best to call the police. Having someone other than the people involved in the accident survey the scene can be helpful later on. The police officer will fill out an accident report, which can be a great resource in case details of the accident become important later on.
Document the Evidence. Take pictures of the scene of the accident using your phone, as well as get the names and phone numbers of any witnesses that are at the scene of the accident. These photos will come in handy when dealing with the insurance company or an accident lawyer if there are any personal injury claims made later on where evidence will be needed.
Hire an Accident Lawyer. Many Ottawa law firms have accident lawyers that specialize in car accidents and can help you make sense of the laws surrounding them. Insurance law is complicated and something an accident lawyer would be well versed in. You should not try to make sense of it on your own, but rather find a law firm in Ottawa that can help you deal with any claim or lawsuit that may arise. The legal aspects of car accidents are complex and it would be wise to consult with an accident lawyer you trust. Take some time to research Ottawa law firms and find out if they have lawyers that specialize in car accidents. Sometimes lawsuits may not arise until years after an accident, so speaking to an accident lawyer will give you a good sense of what legal ramifications could result from the accident.
Being responsible for a car accident can be a stressful event, but it is important to remember that car accidents happen every day. Although accidents will always remain scary and stressful, how you handle them will make a big difference in the amount of worry and stress that will follow after the accident. Keeping these tips in mind will help eliminate some of the stress and guesswork associated with how to handle a car accident after it occurs.
