Making Sure the Law Is On Your Side

If you're going to be taking a lot of road trips this summer, you need to be prepared for possible car accidents. According to statistics, there were 540 fatalities and 58,000 serious injuries associated with car accidents on the 4^th of July, 2013. The same report shows that Memorial Day – the first official holiday of the summer – and Labor Day – the last official holiday of the summer – are also dangerous days to be on the road. Before you head out this summer, be sure you know what to do if you're involved in a car accident. Here are four tips that will help you prepare.

Call the Police

Even if you think the accident was just a fender-bender, you still need to call the police. If you live in Massachusetts or New Hampshire, you need to call the police if the accident caused injuries or if it appears that there will be more than $1000 worth of property damage. If you're not sure your accident merits police involvement, call 911 and let them determine whether assistance should be dispatched.

Only Share Necessary Information

After an accident, you'll need to share pertinent information with the other driver involved in the accident. The information you'll need to share will include your driver's license and your insurance details. Avoid sharing any further information with the other driver. It's especially important that you don't tell the other driver how you or your passengers feel, and that you don't apologize or express responsibility for the accident. They can use that information against you if the matter turns into a legal issue.

Take Pictures

When it comes to car accidents, photographs may be your most important evidence. Take as many pictures of the accident scene as you can. If you or your passengers have sustained injuries, take pictures of those injuries. It's also important that you take pictures of the vehicles, including the area surrounding them. If you see accident debris in the road, take pictures of that, as well. Your attorney will be able to use the visual evidence to piece together the accident. 

If you're involved in a car accident this summer, you'll need to know what to do when it happens. Use the information provided here to help you in the event of an accident. If you are involved in an accident while you're on the road this summer, be sure to speak to an auto accident attorney as soon as possible.