Accidents on the road: A traffic lawyer‘s guide to the next steps

We all hope that a road accident will never happen to us – but the car accident lawyers at Universa know only too well that it’s a possibility. There are more than 3 million cars and 1 million motorbikes on our roads, not to mention lorries, bicycles and pedestrians all jostling for space. Of course an accident is exactly that. Nobody leaves their house envisaging that they’ll end up talking to a car accident solicitor. But it can and does happen.

At the end of 2011 the BBC produced a map of the UK’s road accidents. It’s a stark pictorial representation of the 2,396,750 road accidents that have happened over the past decade. If you’re unfortunate enough to be involved in a road accident – regardless of who is at fault – you’re likely to need the advice of a traffic accident lawyer.  They will help you to assess your case and decide whether to make a claim for compensation.

Universa’s car accident solicitors are highly experienced in every aspect of road accidents and injury. Here’s our simple guide to the steps you should follow immediately after an accident to ensure that you are protected from the fallout, which can be potentially devastating.

 

What to do at the scene from a car accident lawyer‘s point of view

The absolute priority after a road accident is to establish if anyone is injured. Call the police and an ambulance immediately if you suspect that any party has been hurt. But it’s also important to record as much information as you can. This will greatly help both your insurance company and indeed your traffic accident lawyer should you decide to pursue a claim.

Make sure you’re always prepared for the eventuality of an accident by carrying a first aid kit and warning hazard triangle in your vehicle. The other essential equipment that should travel with you is a paper and pen. As any car accident lawyer will tell you, it’s vital to gather as much data as possible from the scene whilst the collision is fresh in your mind.

Of course you may be injured or in a state of shock. In this scenario it’s more than likely that a good Samaritan might be willing to help you jot down the details. If this isn’t possible, try to return to the scene as soon you can to record what you can remember.

Take the details of any other drivers involved. Remember that it’s an offence to refuse to give your details if you have been involved in a road accident – and one that the police and car accident solicitors will take very seriously. You should also write down all car registration details, notes on how the accident happened, and take photographs if at all possible.

Try to establish the speed of the vehicles, the type of road, damage to the vehicles, any pain you are feeling, and whether there were any obstructions,. All of this information will help your car accident solicitor to build a picture of what happened and who is liable.

 

Hiring a traffic accident lawyer – what to expect.

It’s sad but true that a number of unscrupulous companies are looking to make money out of your misfortune. After an accident you may well receive phone calls or texts from companies who claim to be professional car accident solicitors and tantalise you with the promise of easy cash.

The practice of cold calling is frowned on by reputable car accident lawyers. Instead, choose a car accident lawyer independently based on their reputation, experience and references. Take care to enquire closely about any hidden commissions, fees or costs involved. A good traffic accident lawyer will look to recover costs from the other party (assuming the accident was their fault), will ensure you receive the whole of your compensation and will not charge an upfront or hidden fee.

Remember that insurance is a legal requirement for every British motorist. You should not feel uncomfortable about enlisting a good car accident solicitor to explore your claim options – even if you were the passenger, you were on public transport, or you were driving a car that belongs to a friend or family member. This is exactly why motorists are insured – to protect them in the eventuality that the worst case scenario happens.

At Universa our highly experienced car accident lawyers understand the trauma that a road accident can cause. We’re here to support you throughout the claims process with professional, impartial services. [Amy Hatto2] Contact the Universa team today for advice and support.