Immediately following a car accident in West Virginia, you might be feeling confused and overwhelmed. How do you talk to the other driver and handle the insurance claims? What should you do to protect yourself legally as well as physically?
According to State Farm, several steps to take right after an accident may protect you and give you peace of mind. Immediately after the crash, it is important to get out of the way of oncoming traffic. If you can move your vehicle, get to the side of the road or another nearby spot that’s safe from other cars. If your car is disabled, stay as far away from moving traffic as you can.
Check to see if anyone is injured and call an ambulance if there are serious injuries. Law enforcement should be contacted next. This is an important step, no matter how minor the accident may seem. A police statement may help to support your case. Ask witnesses at the scene to also fill out statements about what they saw.
When exchanging insurance information with the other drivers, do not say you are sorry. This may be interpreted as an admission of fault, no matter how honorable your intentions. Limit your conversation only to the facts related to the collision. Take pictures of the accident scene, particularly of injuries and damage to your vehicle. Call your insurance company to report the incident after you’re home and have had a chance to calm down. This information should help you understand how to protect your legal interests after a crash, but should not replace the advice of a lawyer.
