{"id":1337,"date":"2023-09-19T00:00:26","date_gmt":"2023-09-19T00:00:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/urbanthier.de\/?p=1337"},"modified":"2026-05-24T14:25:32","modified_gmt":"2026-05-24T14:25:32","slug":"what-to-do-after-a-car-accident-in-the-usa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/urbanthier.de\/en\/was-ist-zu-tun-nach-einem-verkehrsunfall-in-den-usa\/","title":{"rendered":"What to do after a car accident in the USA?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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What to do after a traffic accident in the US?<\/h1>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n
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You do not have sufficient permissions to access this content.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

Foreign visitors to the USA regularly suffer injuries from traffic accidents. After a traffic accident in the USA, there is often the possibility of receiving a substantial damage award.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

This compensation generally consists of reimbursement for material damages, payment for medical treatment costs, and pain and suffering damages. Pain and suffering damages are often awarded at a much higher rate in the US than in other countries. Compensation payments for survivors of fatal accidents are also possible and common in the United States, which is not the case in many other jurisdictions.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

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Measures immediately after the accident<\/h3><\/div><\/div>\n\n

1. Emergency Calls and Information<\/h3><\/div><\/div>\n\n
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  1. Immediately call the US emergency number 911. Tell the police where and when the accident occurred, and whether emergency medical services or extrication from a damaged vehicle are urgently needed. \u00a0<\/li>\n
  2. Provide the police and other involved parties with your personal information, including your name, phone number, driver's license number, date of birth, and address.<\/li>\n
  3. Provide details about the vehicle, the vehicle owner, and the liability insurance.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

    2. Acknowledgment of Debt<\/h3><\/div><\/div>\n\n
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    1. Never admit fault at the scene of an accident.<\/strong> Even statements like \u201eI am so sorry\u201c or \u201eI didn't see them\u201c should be strictly avoided. These can have significant legal consequences. In principle, you should avoid making statements about the course of the accident. This is especially true if you are in shock from the accident and\/or English is not your native language. Generally, there is no obligation to make a statement to the police.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

      3. Witnesses and Evidence<\/h3><\/div><\/div>\n\n
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      1. Record the names, addresses, and phone numbers of all parties involved in the accident and all witnesses.<\/li>\n
      2. Take notes immediately after the accident about the cause of the accident and your own observations.<\/li>\n
      3. Search the area for potential witnesses and ask for their contact information. Record the contact information.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n
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        Documentation and evidence immediately after the accident<\/h3><\/div><\/div>\n\n

        1. Accident site and surroundings<\/h3><\/div>\n

        Create a sketch of the accident scene and note all relevant details as meticulously as possible. This includes any signs that might be present near the accident site.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

        2. Photographic evidence<\/h3><\/div><\/div>\n\n

        Take photos of the accident scene from various angles and distances, including your direction of travel, that of the other party involved in the accident, and the perspective of witnesses. Take photos of signs and road markings. This applies in particular to speed limits and right-of-way signs.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

        3. Suspected alcohol or drug use<\/h3><\/div><\/div>\n\n

        Take photos of the accident scene from various angles and distances, including your direction of travel, that of the other party involved in the accident, and the perspective of witnesses. Take photos of signs and road markings. This applies in particular to speed limits and right-of-way signs.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

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        Medical treatment in the USA<\/h3><\/div><\/div>\n\n

        1. Medical Documentation<\/h3><\/div><\/div>\n\n