What to do when we come across a traffic accident?
Knowing how to act in the event of a traffic accident is very important, especially when dealing with emergency situations and claiming possible compensation.
In the event of an unexpected accident, the most important thing is to remain calm and try to think clearly . Below, the law firm Andreu & Asociados , specialists in traffic accidents in Barcelona, explains some steps to follow if you are involved in a traffic accident.
The first step is to ensure that both the driver and passengers are safe. Safety must be the number one priority when an accident occurs; therefore, it is essential to move the car to a safe location , use warning triangles, and place hazard lights or other warning devices.
Once the situation has been assessed, if there have been no injuries and both drivers reach an agreement , the friendly accident report provided by the insurance companies must be completed and signed. This report includes the details of the drivers, the vehicles, the damage caused, and the insurance companies responsible for repairing this damage.
Important: Even if there are no visible injuries, experienced car accident lawyers recommend seeing a doctor to assess possible internal injuries that could cause serious damage in the future.
If there are injuries or there is no agreement between the parties involved, the emergency services should be called immediately at 112 and the Mossos d'Esquadra , if the traffic accident has taken place on the road, or the Local Police , if it has occurred on an urban road.
If there were witnesses, lawyers specializing in traffic accidents recommend collecting their details and testimony of what they saw, as well as taking photographs of the damage from different angles.
After determining the causes of the traffic accident, the officers will prepare the report, which will be a fundamental piece of evidence when proceeding to claim possible compensation through legal action.
If it is an accident with serious injuries, the injured parties are entitled to compensation , so it is important to consult lawyers specializing in traffic accidents.
What to do if the other driver refuses to cooperate?
This is a situation that can occur, and in which lawyers specializing in traffic accidents recommend taking note of all the data that may help to identify it: characteristics of the vehicle, license plate number, witness testimonies, etc.
To carry out all these procedures and determine how much to claim, the viability of your claim or whether it is advisable to file a criminal complaint, do not hesitate to contact us . At the Andreu & Associates Law Firm, we have more than 30 years of experience in traffic accidents in Barcelona.