Car Accident in Canada? Here is What You Need to Know
Even the most cautious driver can be involved in an auto accident and when this happens to you, it is critical that you get the proper car accident legal advice. If you have been involved in an accident, these are the steps you should take to protect your rights and preserve your ability to seek an auto accident legal settlement.
Immediately After the Accident
Stop your vehicle immediately if you are involved in an accident, even if it seems minor. Leaving the scene of an accident could result in criminal prosecution for leaving the scene of an accident. If anyone is injured, there appears to be more than $2,000 damage or if one of the drivers appears to be guilty of a Criminal Code violation, including driving under the influence, contact the police. The emergency operator will provide you with instructions on what to do until the police arrive. Keep in mind that the emergency operator will be unable to ask auto accident legal questions. It is important that you try not to move anyone who is injured as you may make their injuries worse.
At the Scene
At the scene of the accident, get out of your car when it is safe to do so. If you are not injured, take photos using a digital camera or cell phone of the vehicles, the scene, traffic, road signs and anything else you think may be relevant. If possible, move your vehicle out of traffic. If you cannot move your vehicle, turn on your hazard lights and place flares, warning triangles, cones or other objects to warn other drivers of the collision. It is often offered as car accident legal advice to interview witnesses at the scene, if possible. If you cannot conduct an interview, at least be sure to get names, addresses and phone numbers in order to interview them later. Keep in mind that witness recollection is often more accurate immediately after the accident than it is a few weeks later.
No Injuries or Minor Damage
If there is less than $2,000 damage and no one is injured, contact a Collision Reporting Centre within 24 hours. A Collisions Reporting Centre is a police facility whose purpose is to assist motorists who are involved in accidents. They will provide you with a police report and you may have your vehicle photographed for insurance purposes. Again, the Collision Reporting Centre cannot provide you with car accident legal help.
Seek Medical Attention
If you suffer any injury, even if it seems minor, it is critical that you seek medical attention. The auto accident legal process may depend on the extent of your injuries and some injuries may appear minor at first but become more serious as time goes on. There are many injuries that may not appear for several days, such as whiplash or muscle injuries. You may also think that you can take a few days and you will feel better. However, there are injuries that will not heal over time without medical intervention. Keep in mind that the courts will require evidence of your injuries and a medical professional will be able to provide you with documentation not only of injuries but of the treatments you have received.
Do Not Admit Fault
One of the biggest errors drivers make, often against auto accident legal advice, is to admit that they made a mistake that could have led to the accident. Although it may be true that your actions may have led to the crash, you could be opening yourself up for legal problems in the future. Any admission of fault at the accident scene can be used against you in court, which is why lawyers offering car accident legal help warn against admitting any fault at the scene. In addition, since you are not a police officer, you may be incorrect in believing you were at fault. However, since you admitted fault at the scene, this could result in reduced auto accident settlement amounts in the future.
Car Accident Legal Advice From a Lawyer
The best car accident legal advice you can get is to speak to a lawyer after you have been involved in an accident. The laws regarding compensation after an accident are complicated and it is difficult for the average person to handle an auto accident settlement on their own. It is also important to seek auto accident legal advice before you agree to a settlement as the insurance company may try to offer you a much lower settlement that you are entitled to receive under the law.
If you have been involved in an accident, you need to get the best car accident legal advice possible. Contact an experienced motor vehicle accident lawyer today to learn how they can help guide you through the auto accident legal process and help you get the compensation from an auto accident legal settlement that you are entitled to under the law.
