No matter how minor the damage sustained from a vehicular accident, the hassle of filing a claim is anything but minor. Worse still if you’ve not had an accident in years and are not familiar with the rules for filing your claim.
Generally, the rules for filing a claim will vary from state to state. What applies in the East Coast doesn’t necessarily hold true in the West Coast. For example, state laws differ on their stance on mobile phone use while operating an automobile. Some states explicitly prohibit, others don’t.
Your best course of action when you need to file a claim is to find someone who knows the law. If you live in the San Jose area, then you’ll need a personal injury attorney San Jose has come to rely on who can help you with the details.
There are some things that required in all states. Here are the basics for dealing with an accident.
- Check for injuries. If anyone is injured, call for emergency services. Failure to do so is generally considered an act of negligence that may be considered criminal. Also call your attorney as soon as you’ve called the ambulance.
- Get details. These include name, address, phone number, insurance company, attorney and vehicle registration number. You’ll need to provide the other driver with your details. It is a criminal offense to refuse to exchange these details. If the other party refuses to give details, take their registration information and pass it on to your lawyer.
- Get Photographs. Take them at the scene, and let the other party know you are taking them. This will prevent them trying to claim more damage than was actually done.
These are just a few of the basics needed. For anything else you should talk to your lawyer. They know what you need to do.
