Keep a Post-auto Accident Plan in Your Glove Box

The last thing you want to deal with while you are on vacation is a car accident. Unfortunately, sometimes this becomes necessary. Whether you have found yourself in this situation or are simply preparing ahead just in case this happens to you, these tips will help you protect your legal rights and recover your losses, as well as give you peace of mind in a difficult situation.

Call the Police and Request a Written Report

No matter how serious your accident might be, you should always call the police department and ask them to send out an officer to write an accident report. An accident report from law enforcement will later be used by your attorney to help you get your car fixed and your medical bills paid. Without an official report, your case against the insurance company of the other party in the accident is a lot more complicated.

Let the Ambulance Take You to the Emergency Room

Even though you may not be seriously injured, if you have suffered any injuries in the accident you should let the responding ambulance take you to the emergency room of a local hospital. Since many injuries commonly caused by automotive accidents won't show up for hours or even days post-accident, it is important that you let the ambulance take you to get checked out by a doctor. In addition, if you later have to file a lawsuit to recover your damages and claim any pain and suffering or medical bills, it will be much easier for your lawyer to prove these things with an emergency room doctor's report. If you refuse to go to the hospital, then the insurance company may argue that you weren't really injured in the accident.

Hire a Lawyer in Your Local Area to Fight for Your Legal Rights

Finally, once your vacation has ended and you are safely back at home, you should hire a local lawyer to help you recover your losses and fight for your legal rights. While your insurance company may sound like they want to settle with you and will keep your best interests at heart, it's important to note that insurance companies basically work for themselves. Their goal is always to pay you the least amount of money they believe you will settle for. So, unless your accident was minor and there were no injuries, you should always consult with a car accident attorney to make it a fairer fight.