If you are involved in a serious car accident, you need to know your legal rights and what actions to take. Car accidents can cause you to be upset and forget about the most logical things you must do. Even if you are lucky to escape without bodily injuries, a serious car wreck can leave you without a vehicle for a long time if your car was damaged or totaled. The information here may be helpful in case you are involved in a serious vehicle collision.
Do not admit you are at fault because you most likely don’t have all the information. You may find out later that the other driver was either completely or partially at fault even if you didn’t think so in the beginning. Once you admit to fault it will be hard to retract that statement. This may feel like it goes against your instinct at the time but even if you are sure it was your fault, your main focus immediately following an accident should be to get medical help as soon as possible.
According to a nationwide study conducted in 2009 by AAA, the average cost per fatal accident is $6 million. AAA based its estimates on data from the Federal Highway Administration. The data placed dollar values on components like property damage, lost earnings, loss of household activities, medical costs, emergency services, travel delays, vocational rehabilitation, lost time at work, administrative costs, legal costs, and pain and lost quality of life. The cost per-person of crashes causing deaths or serious injuries ranges. In 2009, the annual cost of crashes per person across all cities was estimated at $1522 per person.
In Arkansas, car crashes are required to be reported when property damage exceeds $1000. The deadline to file a report is 30 days. So the chances are that if you are involved in a vehicle crash, it will be costly and you should report it to the police immediately. In addition to repairing or replacing your damaged vehicle, medical expenses for serious injuries can sometimes exceed insurance limits.
The best way to avoid doing anything that could harm your ability to get compensation for medical bills and suffering is to consult an attorney as soon as possible.