The driver deemed at fault for a collision becomes the defendant in a personal injury case, as long as the plaintiff cannot be held even partially responsible for the accident. If the defendant does not want to get hit with a huge fee, in order to cover the plaintiff’s awarded compensation, then the same defendant must make a point of completing certain actions.
What the defendant should do
Contact the police immediately after the collision has taken place. By establishing such contact, the defendant works to keep the plaintiff from changing his or her story. It also keeps the defendant honest. A defendant’s ability to use a lawyer’s services will increase, if the same at-fault driver has not been dishonest.
Share contact information with others at the accident scene. Provide information on insurance, along with license number. All present at scene should share the contact information for any witnesses. Take photographs of the scene and the damage to the involved vehicles. Take pictures of injuries sustained, as a result of the collision.
Request help with receiving immediate medical attention. This will aid completion of an assessment of the defendant’s damages. When a defendant has suffered injuries or has been hit with damages, then that fact will be considered, when it comes time to agree to a settlement. Go online and look for the name of an attorney that specializes in working with defendants, especially at-fault drivers. Get in touch with that same attorney.
What actions should not be taken by any defendants?
At the scene of the accident, do not get in the way of the emergency responders. Each of them has been trained, regarding how to offer needed help to any victims. Their training did not prepare them for the arrival of some volunteer.
Do not leave the scene of the collision until all contacts with police and other drivers have been completed. Wait until it becomes clear that others are departing from the scene.
Defendant’s vehicle should not be moved, unless the safety of others will be ensured by completion of such an action. For instance, the arrival of an emergency vehicle might necessitate movement of vehicle that had been driven by the defendant.
Do not throw away or hide any evidence. There is a good chance that someone will eventually find what was supposed to remain hidden. Do not discuss the accident with anyone, even during a conversation in which an apology has been offered to the plaintiff. Do not make the mistake of stating some excuse along with the apology.
Do not agree to any settlement without consulting a lawyer. The lawyer may have uncovered some piece of evidence that could be used to show that the plaintiff was partially responsible for the collision. Alternatively, the hired Personal Injury Lawyer in Burlington might have gained access to information about a defective part in the defendant’s vehicle.
