It is quite surprising how many drivers forget to put on their headlights when they are supposed to do. Most states do have laws in place for the use of headlights, such as Pennsylvania, which requires drivers to turn on their headlights from sunset to sunrise, when windshield wipers are in use, when visibility has fallen below 1,000 feet and in conditions where there is insufficient light or adverse weather. In addition, headlights must be switched on when in a construction zone.
If a driver fails to turn on his/her headlights at the stipulated time an accident can happen and when it does it is likely the driver at-fault is the one who didn’t’ turn on the vehicle’s headlights at the right time. If you have been the victim of this type of accident and you or your passengers have been injured you may be entitled to file a personal injury claim.
However, there are several things you need to do before you start the process.
1. Gather Evidence at the Accident Scene
No PI claim is easy so you will need to collect as much evidence as you can to prove who or what caused the accident. This could include any of the following:
- get the police report from the officer who attended the accident;
- take photographs of the accident scene;
- ask any witnesses to write statements and take down their contact details;
- check to see if there were any surveillance cameras in the area of the accident.
2. Get a Medical Examination
If you have been involved in an accident with another vehicle because the driver had failed to turn on its headlights the accident could be quite serious. Typically, if the driver was driving too fast and rear ended your vehicle you could have ended up with serious neck injuries like whiplash.
This is when your neck was thrown forward uncontrollably on impact. If you were injured, you should be sure to seek medical help as soon as possible. You must collect any of the treating doctor’s notes and evidence of either paid or unpaid medical bills.
3. Arrange for Auto Repairs
Once you have recovered enough, make sure you take your vehicle to a mechanic and have it inspected for damage as you can include the damages bill in your PI claim. You should keep a receipt of all damages, as well as the cost of repairs.
The sorts of damage likely if a driver rear-ends you because s/he didn’t have the vehicle’s headlights on, are your car’s trunk would be seriously damaged and that could include rear windshield and lights.
4. Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
As soon as you think you have gathered enough evidence to support your PI claim you should contact an experienced personal injury lawyer who will know how best to create a strong claim and win a PI settlement for you.
5. File a Claim
Your lawyer can file the claim for you and ensure that it is done in the proper manner so that you get the PI compensation you deserve.
