Traffic AccidentHOW TO COPE WISELY AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT

Q.

I recently immigrated to the United States. 

Since I don't speak English well, I'm worried about what to say and what to do if I get into a car accident.  
What should I do immediately after a car accident in the United States?

A.

Many people are confused and don't know what to do step by step to protect their rights after a car accident. 

This is especially true if you don't speak English.  
However, if you check the following, you will be able to calmly resolve the issue without panicking after a car accident. 

1. Don't block traffic, but move your car to the side of the road. Move your car to the side of the road and avoid oncoming traffic.  
   If you can't move your car, stay in your car with your seat belt fastened until help arrives.  
   If you can get out safely, move to a safe place.  
   If possible, turn on your emergency lights and put up flares or warning triangles.  
   (If you can move your car, you should move it immediately after taking the photo. This is different from Korea.) 
   
   
2. Obtaining information from witnesses. Accident witnesses play a crucial role in determining who is at fault in an accident.  
   Especially when you believe you are not at fault, be sure to obtain information such as the name, address, and phone number of the witness. 
   
   
3. Report to the police. If you are injured or seriously injured in a car accident, especially if you feel that it was not your fault, call the police.  
   The police report is your proof that the accident happened and is key to your lawsuit for injuries sustained after a car accident.  
   Be careful what you say to the police because they will write down what you say in the police report.  
   (However, if your English is not good, I recommend that you tell the police honestly that you do not speak English.) 
   
   
4. Exchange information with the other driver. Stay calm and avoid arguing with the other driver.  
   It would be wise to let your attorney and insurance company decide their own way. Write down the  
   other driver’s name, address, date of birth, phone number, driver’s license number and expiration date, insurance company and policy number, vehicle type and year, model, and license plate number.  
   If the driver is not the owner of the vehicle, write down the name, address, phone number, and insurance company of the vehicle’s registered owner. 
   
   
5. Never admit fault.  
   Never tell the other driver or the police that you were at fault for the accident, even if you think it was your fault. You  
   may think it was your fault at the time, but you may later find out that the other driver was more at fault. 
   
   
6. Take photos of evidence. Take photos of the entire accident scene from multiple angles and distances, including the damaged vehicle, using a camera or cell phone, and take photos of any body injuries from multiple angles. 
   
   
7. Towing of the Accident Vehicle. If the vehicle is damaged to the point where it cannot be driven, it will need to be towed to your home or a body shop. You can contact Triple A Service, a body shop, or a towing company to get your vehicle towed.  
   Sometimes, a tow truck will come without you calling, and these trucks will tow your vehicle to their body shop and charge a high storage fee, so be careful. 
   
   
8. Treatment of injuries. If you have any pain, go to the hospital immediately and get treatment. 
   
   
9. Consult with an attorney. If the other party is at fault for the accident, contact an attorney immediately.  
   An attorney will represent you in the accident and work to ensure that you receive fair compensation for the damages you suffered as a result of the accident. 
   
   
10. Report the accident to the insurance company. Before reporting the accident to your own and the other party’s insurance company, you need to carefully organize the details of the accident by talking to witnesses or consulting with a lawyer. This  
    is because a hasty conversation with an insurance adjuster can result in harming your rights. 

Every year, many traffic accidents occur during the holidays. 

Please drive especially safely, and if by any chance you do get into an accident, do not panic but respond calmly and wisely by following the above steps.