“Even if you are not at fault, the other driver and their insurance company can deny wrongdoing and pin the accident on you if there isn’t sufficient evidence.” - David Klibaner
DENVER (PRWEB) June 12, 2018
David Klibaner, founding partner and attorney at respected personal injury practice Klibaner Law Firm, offers his suggestions on what to do immediately following an auto crash. With over 30 years’ experience practicing personal injury law, Klibaner is a passionate advocate for the injured and always represents injured clients; he never represents insurance companies. Klibaner has listed some important tips via the firm’s official online blog and encourages readers to always be prepared when another driver breaks safety rules and causes an injury.
If a car crash injury is someone else’s fault, there are a number of important actions to be taken to protect the individual, their family and all parties involved. The below tips are not to be taken as legal advice, and are strictly listed for informational purposes.
No. 1: Never leave the scene. Don’t leave the scene of an accident until all the below steps are taken. Call the police and let them know the location and initial details so they can quickly get to the scene and put together a police report. Those who panic or believe the accident isn’t a big deal can expose themselves to legal trouble.
No. 2: Connect with witnesses. If any witnesses are at the scene, be sure to get their names and telephone numbers. “If the police are present with the witnesses still on the scene, connecting them directly with the police can help protect you,” said Klibaner. “Even if you are not at fault, the other driver and their insurance company can deny wrongdoing and pin the accident on you if there isn’t sufficient evidence.”
No. 3: Take photographs. Having photographic proof of the accident adds credibility to any official statements from witnesses. Police and legal teams may be able to prove how an accident panned out by looking at detailed photos, but without those, investigators may have to rely only on the word of the involved parties or witnesses, potentially dragging out the legal and insurance claim process.
No. 4: Seek medical attention. The overwhelming emotion and adrenaline from a car crash can often disguise any pain or discomfort from the collision. Even if one feels fine right after a car wreck,, the effects of the crash may sometimes not kick in until 24-48 hours afterward and sometimes longer. It is recommended to visit the hospital or a doctor immediately for a physical examination.
No. 5: Call the insurance company. One of the most stressful takeaways from an accident is wondering how insurance will cover vehicle and medical bills. “Never assume that the insurance company for the negligent driver will pay any of your medical bills,” concluded Klibaner. “The injured victim of a crash should immediately contact his own insurance company and find out if medical care and property damage are covered.”
About David Klibaner, Klibaner Law Firm:
David Klibaner is a graduate of the Trial Lawyer’s College, founded by Gerry Spence, National Institute for Trial Advocacy, member of the American Association of Justice and has served on the Board of Directors of the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association. He is co-chair of the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association Premises Liability Committee and has spoken before hundreds of lawyers on a variety of topics in personal injury law. Practice areas of the Klibaner Law Firm include all aspects of personal injury, including wrongful death, catastrophic injuries, construction injuries, insurance bad faith, truck crashes, motor vehicle collisions, slip, trip and fall injuries, and more. For more information, please call (303) 863-1445 or visit http://www.daklawfirm.com/.
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