Avoiding an accident is impossible, but preparing to prevent accidents lowers your risk of getting into one. There are three ways you may prepare before ever having to contact a car accident attorney San Francisco has to offer:
Insurance: Although minimum insurance is required by California law, it is a smart way to protect your assets and the lives of others around you. Insurance ensures that certain damages are reimbursed depending on the circumstances of the accident. It is beneficial to remember that your insurance rating may changed because of the where you live, the car you drive, how much you drive, and your driving record.
Learning the Common Causes and Steering Clear of Them: Car accidents and injuries occur every day and the best way to avoid them is to avoid the habits that lead to them. Here are some common causes of accidents:
- Excessive speed
- Drunk driving
- Distracted driving
- Driving while tired
- Driving aggressively
- Ignoring bad weather
- Neglecting your car
- Driving an unfamiliar vehicle
- Trusting other drivers
Act and Respond: Every car accident lawyer San Francisco has knows that the most difficult time to focus is right after a car accident but this crucial time can have a critical impact on the success of your claim. In a car accident, the first thing to do is to stop and check yourself and the passengers of the other vehicle for any bodily injuries. The next thing to do is to call 911 and report the accident with the authorities for the well-being of those involved. It is also useful as a police report provides proof to insurance companies not only that the accident happened but also as a description of the facts that may be used in court. It is important to remember to remain calm and not admit fault because any apology or attempt to placate the other driver may be twisted by a lawyer to express negligence on your part.
Collecting information is vital to making a case and it is recommended you take information from the other driver, witness, and the surrounding scene in order to recreate the accident in court. Once gathered, it should be given to any officer at the scene. Cooperate with the officer as much as possible and ask for the name of the officer and any information you need to secure a police report. As a participant in the accident it is smart to write down your own account as well as submitting reports to both your insurance company and the Department of Motor Vehicles.
