How To File An Auto Accident Report
What Should You Do After An Auto Accident?
As a driver, you must never leave the scene of an accident. It is fundamental to provide the needed help immediately following an accident, morally and legally. In New Mexico, it is a criminal offense to leave the scene of an accident causing
injuries. After stopping your vehicle, take a moment to evaluate the situation, be conscious of the traffic situation, and any other potential dangers and most of all do not panic.
Filing Auto Accident Reports
Contact law enforcement as quickly as possible in the event of an injury, death, or property damage caused in an auto accident. An officer will usually prepare a written accident report within five days of the accident. But if injured and unable to either contact the police, or file the accident report, any passenger or persons with you that is able to notify the authorities should do so. In some cases, if you are not the owner of the vehicle you were driving, the owner may complete the report.
If involved in an auto accident in New Mexico, you are required to provide definite information to other people involved. That means, motorists, passengers or pedestrians involved in the accident must share same information with you. Also, it is important to ask for the details of those who witnessed the accident so that the details of what happened are determined early on, before witnesses forget. The information needed to be exchange in the aftermath of an accident includes:
- Name, address and contact information.
- Driver license number.
- License plate number and vehicle information.
- Auto insurance details.
Additional Information
It is also important to take photographs at the scene of the accident. For an accident with an unoccupied vehicle what should you do? You are required to attach a note to the damaged car. The note should state your name and address, as well as the owner’s name and address of the vehicle you are driving. Describe clearly what happened, and attach the note to the vehicle in a fixed, easy-to-see location.
It is not obligatory to report any accidents to the New Mexico Motor Vehicles Division. However, automobile insurance contracts require the insured to report any accident within a time frame after the accident. Failure to do so, may give the insurer a reason to attempt to deny coverage for the accident.
Law enforcement aiding in the events of a
n accident have the right to ask for proof of insurance. If you are without liability insurance during an accident, you are likely to face suspension of your vehicle registration, and a citation and possible fine.
Auto Accident Lawyer In New Mexico & Texas
In cases where you are injured in an auto accident, it is important to first get fully medically evaluated and receive full medical treatment. Oftentimes injuries are noticeable right away but sometimes it takes time to learn that your body has been injured in some way. Head injuries are especially problematic and may require ongoing neurological testing and observation.
If you are injured as a result of the fault of another party, you may want to speak to a personal injury attorney. You should keep copies of any medical expenses sustained as a result of an accident and your auto accident lawyer can assist you in gathering all of the needed medical information to make a claim.
Contact Bowles Law Firm for your free case evaluation.
Read More