At this travel-heavy time of the year, honest motorists may be at risk. Car accident scams--staged car accidents caused by drivers who then sue for damages after the fact--are on the rise in the United States. These tips will help you avoid becoming another victim.
Know your Route Ahead of Time
Confused driving puts you at risk by diverting your attention from the other drivers on the road. Plan your route before setting out for holiday travel, and ask your passenger or passengers to help you navigate. If driving to a location you've never been before, give yourself plenty of time to arrive, so you can drive carefully and defensively throughout the journey.
Avoid Tailgating
Avoid driving too closely behind the person in front of you. If someone should cut in front of you suddenly, widen the gap between yourself and that other car as quickly and safely as possible.
Have a Camera in your Car
Many drivers on the road now have cameras in their smart phones. If you don't have a camera in your phone, have a camera on hand in your car. If you're involved in an accident, take many pictures of the accident. Include pictures of your car's damage, the other car's damage, skid marks on the road, the people involved in the car accident (and any bodily injuries they sustained), the weather conditions at the site and debris in the road. Take many pictures of the same scene from different angles.
Call the Police in the Event of an Accident
Even if the accident is minor, contact the police immediately. Do not admit fault or speak with the other driver about your own role in the accident. Speak only to the police.
Record all Details of Accidents
Write down the location, time and date of the accident. Get the other driver's information, as well as the names and contact information for all passengers in the other vehicle.
Contact your Insurance Agent and Civil Litigation Lawyer
As soon as you can, contact your insurance agent and tell him or her what happened. Share any pictures and all details of the accident. If you should be sued, contact an experienced civil litigation lawyer such as Morgan Law PLLC as soon as possible. The pictures and notes you took at the accident scene will be crucial for your case, so keep all that information after the accident.
Hopefully you won't become the victim of a staged car accident during the holidays. But if you are involved in an accident, and you suspect fraud, following these tips will help your life return to normal as quickly as possible.
Share1 December 2014
