Protect Your Legal Rights Before You Are In A Connecticut Crash
Dealing with a car accident in Fairfield County can be a stressful experience as there are often insurance claims to make, law enforcement to deal with and the hassle of car repairs to take care of. In 2008, there were over 36,000 injuries reported in connection to traffic accidents, according to the Connecticut Department of Transportation. If you are injured, you face the additional challenges of losing work, going through the healing process and even dealing with permanent damage.
However, one way that you can make a car accident less traumatic is to prepare for it beforehand. This can be done by preparing a car accident kit, knowing what to say to others and familiarizing yourself with your insurance policy.
The Accident Kit
Having an accident kit in your vehicle is a great way to be prepared for a collision, according to Edmunds. The kit should contain a number of items such as:
- Warning triangles, flares or traffic cones to alert other drivers
- Flashlight with working batteries
- Medical emergency supplies
- A disposable camera to take pictures of the accident scene — you can also use your cellphone’s camera, if you have one
- An accident information form — you can get this from an insurance company or create your own
- A list of medical allergies and conditions
In addition, you should make sure that the numbers to your insurance agent, local law enforcement agencies and family members are in the kit or on your phone, where they can easily be accessed.
Legal Liability And What You Say
From the moment the accident occurs, you should be aware that every word you say can be used as evidence in the case. For this reason, you want to be careful not to provide too much information as to your current condition unless you know that you have been injured. You also want to avoid saying anything that could be taken as an admission of guilt or interpreted incorrectly.
For example, you should not tell anyone that you feel “fine” or “okay” after a car accident. Many times, injuries surface after the initial shock has worn off and could interfere with your insurance claims. Saying that you didn’t see the other car could give the impression that you were distracted or speeding, even if you were not. Telling someone “I’m so sorry” could imply that you were at fault for the collision. It is best to simply answer the officer’s questions and avoid speaking with anyone else at the scene.
Know Your Policy Coverage
If you were involved in a crash, do you know what your needs would be? Do you know whether your insurance policy offers towing or a replacement rental vehicle while yours is being repaired or replaced? What is your out-of-pocket cost for repairs and medical attention?
By taking the time to carefully review what your policy currently covers and what you think your needs will be, you can make the necessary adjustments to your insurance before a collision happens. This will give you peace of mind as you deal with the immediate concerns when an accident occurs.
If you are in a car accident, you should also contact an attorney as soon as possible for legal advice as to your rights.