I was in an Auto Accident. What do I do now?

     Even the best drivers can have automobile accidents. You should know what steps to take at the time of the accident to protect yourself and your property as well as your legal rights.

     Here are the steps you should take if you are involved in an accident with another vehicle bicycle or pedestrian:

• Stop Your Car

Never leave the scene of an accident in which you or your car are involved. No matter how slight the collision even though the accident was not your fault. Stop your car as soon as possible without further endangering any person or property and without blocking traffic.

• Get Aid for the Injured

If anyone has been hurt, call 911 and ask for an ambulance. Do not attempt first aid unless you are qualified to give it.

• Call the Police

Call 911 for the police even if there are no injuries. The police are trained to handle any situation that may arise after an accident. Even it you are not physically injured you may be suffering from shock and anxiety and it may be difficult to think clearly. Let the police take over when they arrive. They will handle any emergency and investigate the accident. The police report is also important for any insurance claims.

• Exchange Information

As the driver of a vehicle involved in an accident, you are required by state law to give the other driver, any injured person, the owner of any damaged property, and the police the following:

• your name;
• your address;
• your driver’s license number;
• your motor vehicle’s registration number; and
• the name and address of each person in your car.

• See Your Doctor

If you have any doubt at all about your own condition or that of the passengers in your car, see a doctor as soon as possible. Ask your passengers to do the same. Make sure you give the doctor or emergency room personnel a complete and accurate report of exactly what happened and what injuries you think you have, no matter how minor they seem. Since some types or injuries do not cause real problems until later. It is important for your doctor to have this information.

If you have health insurance, it should cover any medical treatment from a car crash the same as for any other illness or injury. All auto insurance is also required to cover medical bills up to a certain amount, which varies from policy to policy this is known as medical payments’ coverage, or •‘med pay’.

• File Accident Reports

If you have automobile insurance, notify your insurance company and/or insurance agent immediately and cooperate with your insurance representatives in their investigation. The police are required to fill out an accident report within three days and file it with the NH Department of Safety, Division of Motor Vehicles.

• If You Are Hurt or Lose Work

If you lose time from work sustain injuries or have other losses, you may be entitled to damages (repayment for your loss) from he other party or parties to the accident. You may also be entitled to damages from your own automobile insurance policy.

• Hire McGrath Law Firm

The McGrath Law Firm can help you collect the damages you are entitled to for your injuries and lost wages. We will work with all insurance companies and medical providers so that you can focus on your treatment and daily life activities. You consult us promptly since any claims you may have will be barred three years from the accident under New Hampshire’s statute of limitations.Awarding monetary, damages is the law’s way of trying to put the wrongfully injured person into the same condition he or she was in before the injury. If you are in the right you may be entitled to recover money for the nature, extent, and duration of any injuries you sustained. You may also be entitled to compensation for the pain and suffering caused by the injuries, disabilities you experience both temporary and permanent, and reasonable expenses resulting from your injuries. Any loss of income caused by the accident and the property damage are also recoverable.

McGrath Law Firm is ready to help!