Exchanging information after a Washington DC truck accident
As our Washington DC truck accident attorneys know, after a vehicular collision, many of us exchange information as our first step in the claims process. However, there is a right way and a wrong way to go about this. Exchanging information the right way is one of the most important steps we can take after a car or truck accident. How do you know what information to disclose? What information will be most helpful to a car or truck accident lawyer in Washington DC? In the 21st century, stories of identity theft abound and the technology that protects our information is often a step behind the technology used to steal it. Therefore, we must be very careful in our information exchange after an accident.
What Information Do I Give?
There are several main pieces of information that should be exchanged at the accident scene. The parties’ full names and contact information and their insurance information, including policy company name and policy number. If you are in a car or truck accident in Washington DC, your Washington DC truck accident lawyer, your insurance provider or a police officer may request further information from you. Just as important as what information you give and to whom, is what information not to give.
What You Need Not Disclose
In the aftermath of an accident, you may feel rattled and wish to give as much information as possible to quickly make sense of the unnerving incident. However, more information may not help the situation and it certainly leaves you more susceptible to fraud and identity theft. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners advises against disclosing information besides your name and vehicular insurance information.
If you are in a car accident, do not provide unnecessary information to the other parties involved–there is absolutely no need to provide or exchange social security numbers. You can assure the other party that, if you have followed these guidelines, the information you have provided is adequate. Assure them that, should any other details prove pertinent, the police will have access to that information and will follow the necessary procedure. This is for the protection of everyone involved.
If your car or truck accident involves personal injury or property damage, it may be best to contact a Washington DC truck accident lawyer. In such a case, we cannot stress the importance of protecting your information. But, if you are injured, it is best to address your injury and seek medical attention before you exchange information with those involved. Again, trading the important information in a car or truck accident is certainly a key step in the wake of a collision. To learn more about car accident protection, contact Cohen & Cohen, PC for a free consultation.