What to do if you have an accident
No one wants to think they will have an auto accident, but unfortunately it is a risk every driver takes when they drive a car. Even safe drivers have accidents. There are many steps that a driver can take to ensure that the aftermath of the accident is as painless as possible.
Immediately after an accident, the drivers should move their cars out of the way of incoming traffic if possible. Every driver and passenger involved should assess their medical needs. Obviously, if someone is unconscious, an ambulance needs to be called; this is called reasonable assistance. No one should leave the scene of the accident until they have given their name, contact information, insurance information, and recorded as much evidence of the accident as possible to protect their own rights. This can be accomplished with written accounts, statements from witnesses, and photos.
Usually a police officer will appear at the scene of an accident. In Wisconsin, if the property damage will total $1000 or more, a police officer must legally be called. It is the officer's duty to file a police report. However, the drivers are responsible for following up to make sure that the report was filed. If for any reason the officer did not file a report, the driver must file it with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.
Drivers do not have to admit fault at the scene of an accident. It is best to contact an attorney who specializes in traffic law before making any statements or filing insurance claims. In the case of a severe auto accident, there may be issues of personal injury.
When someone hits an unoccupied vehicle such as in a parking lot or on the street, it is their obligation to try and find the owner of the vehicle. If they cannot find the owner, they must leave some type of note with their name and contact information someplace where the owner will find it.
People have certain obligations to fulfill when they have an accident, and it can be illegal to disregard these procedures. It is never acceptable to leave the scene of an accident; this can result in fines and other penalties.
Immediately after an accident, the drivers should move their cars out of the way of incoming traffic if possible. Every driver and passenger involved should assess their medical needs. Obviously, if someone is unconscious, an ambulance needs to be called; this is called reasonable assistance. No one should leave the scene of the accident until they have given their name, contact information, insurance information, and recorded as much evidence of the accident as possible to protect their own rights. This can be accomplished with written accounts, statements from witnesses, and photos.
Usually a police officer will appear at the scene of an accident. In Wisconsin, if the property damage will total $1000 or more, a police officer must legally be called. It is the officer's duty to file a police report. However, the drivers are responsible for following up to make sure that the report was filed. If for any reason the officer did not file a report, the driver must file it with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.
Drivers do not have to admit fault at the scene of an accident. It is best to contact an attorney who specializes in traffic law before making any statements or filing insurance claims. In the case of a severe auto accident, there may be issues of personal injury.
When someone hits an unoccupied vehicle such as in a parking lot or on the street, it is their obligation to try and find the owner of the vehicle. If they cannot find the owner, they must leave some type of note with their name and contact information someplace where the owner will find it.
People have certain obligations to fulfill when they have an accident, and it can be illegal to disregard these procedures. It is never acceptable to leave the scene of an accident; this can result in fines and other penalties.
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