It’s scary to be involved in a car accident, and it can leave you feeling lost. The last thing you want is not to know what steps to take next. Well, we’re here to help! In this article, we will go over the things that you need to do after being hit by a red-light runner so you can get back on your feet as quickly as possible without any hassle.
Let’s get to the list.
Stop and Access the Damage
Your first action should be to pull over safely so you can assess the damage that has occurred. If there are injuries, or any other reason for concern, call 911 immediately. Check yourself and your passengers to ensure everyone is ok before moving on with this list of steps.
Once it’s safe to do so, get out of your car and look at the damage caused. If a red-light runner has hit you, there is going to be significant body damage as well as possible wheel and tire damage as well. Look over your vehicle carefully, checking both the exterior and interior for any sort of debris left behind from the accident, including glass or metal fragments that could be harmful.
Keep a Record Of What Happened And How It Affects Your Car
In an accident, it is important to keep track of what happened and how your car was affected by the incident. Take pictures if possible so you can show any insurance companies or police officers later on exactly what happened and where everything came from when it comes to your vehicle. You can also make use of the red-light cameras, which are capable of recording multiple types of violations, and use the footage when filing your report. If you do not have a camera with you, keep as much information as possible about the accident and write down what happened leading up to it.
Keeping records of your car before the accident will also help you spot any damage that could have occurred between then and now so it can be considered if there is a dispute about what happened. Ensure that the details collected are kept safe for use when presenting your case.
Get Contact Information From Witnesses And Others Involved
Depending on the situation of an accident, you may need to get contact information from anyone who witnessed what happened or was involved in it as well. This can be useful for both parties if they determine exactly how things occurred and what led up to them during a police investigation. If you are filing a claim with an insurance company, having witnesses who can attest to exactly what happened will make it easier for them to determine the truth about what happened.
You can also record the contact information of any witnesses on your own while you are taking notes about what happened. This can be useful later when presenting evidence to an insurance company or the police department. Ensure that this information is accurate and verified before submitting it as well.
File A Police Report And Insurance Claim As Appropriate
If you have been injured in an accident or witnesses to what occurred, it’s a good idea to file a police report. If the other party is at fault for your injuries and damage to your car, they will need to be held accountable by law. You can also opt out of filing for damages for yourself with this method, which can help you avoid a prolonged legal process.
In many cases, police reports are required in the event of an accident caused by another person so that they have to take responsibility for their actions and any mistakes they made when driving. Filing an insurance claim is another way of ensuring that your safety and any possible injuries are taken care of after being hit by a red-light runner.
Hire a Lawyer to Help You With the Case
If you have been injured in an accident, or if the other party is not taking any responsibility for their actions and all of your documentation isn’t enough to get them to cooperate with what needs to be done, it’s time to hire a lawyer.
This can help you go back over everything that has occurred so far while also presenting your case to the insurance company or court. Lawyers are useful for ensuring that you get what you’re entitled to after an accident, whether it’s damages from another party or compensation of any kind.
In conclusion, what to do after being hit by a red-light runner can be quite complicated, but it should not be difficult to figure out with the right kind of information and documentation. Follow this guide as closely as possible to know what action is necessary in each situation and how it will benefit your case moving forward.
