Car accidents are an unfortunate part of life, and unless one never drives anywhere, it’s not a question of if an accident will happen, but when. While it’s advisable to seek counsel from auto accident attorneys in Olympia, WA, the information below can help drivers prepare for the inevitable.
Have a Plan in Place
There are over six million auto accidents per year, and the average person is in an accident roughly every fifteen years. This means by the time a driver is in their thirties, they should have been in at least one auto accident. Therefore, it’s important to be prepared, plan, and know what to do in the event of an accident.
Be Insurance Aware
In the state of Washington, every driver must have at least $25,000 in coverage per person and $50,000 per occurrence, but it may make sense to have more. It’s advisable to consider PIP and under- or uninsured motorist coverage as well.
Make Safety a Top Priority
If someone is in an accident, the first thing to do is to ensure that everyone is safe. If there’s any doubt, call 911 immediately. If there’s no emergency, move the vehicles to a safe place, exchange information, and notify the police.
Document Everything
When an accident occurs, the better it’s documented, the easier it is to win a claim. It’s hard to remember important details during a frightening event, but keeping a pen, paper, and a camera handy will help.
Gather Information
After an accident, drivers should exchange information. Get the other party’s name, address and phone number, as well as a description of their vehicle, the VIN, the license number and their insurance information. Take pictures of both cars and the surrounding area; the more information a victim has, the easier it is to prevent debate later.
It may take a few days to feel the full effects of an auto accident, but it’s important not to delay treatment. Keep notes of personal expenses and lost income and consult auto accident attorneys in Olympia, WA. Visit us or call today to schedule a consultation.
