Whether you are involved in a minor fender bender or your vehicle is totaled, being involved in a car accident can be a traumatic event. You are suddenly thrust into a situation in which you might not be sure what to do. While no one sets out on the road with the aim of being involved in a car accident, it is important for drivers to know some basic steps to take following an accident. A car accident can lead to a personal injury claim for damages incurred.
Seek Medical Attention
Your number one priority should be to seek medical treatment as soon as possible for any injured parties. Assess yourself, passengers, and check if others involved need immediate medical care. If you do not think that you need immediate medical attention, it is imperative that you follow up with your doctor to have a formal checkup. Even if you do not think you were injured, you might have been. Some injuries take longer to manifest and show physical symptoms. There could be internal injuries that you do not know about. Medical records of injuries will become important should you file a personal injury claim to seek compensation for your damages.
Document the Scene
After you have accessed your medical needs, the police need to come to the scene and make a report of the accident. The police report can be used in future litigation to show the officer’s perspective of what happened. However, you should not rely solely on a police report. Document the scene of the accident yourself. Take pictures, take down the contact information of any witnesses, and write down anything you remember about the accident or things that might have contributed to it. If the weather was particularly bad, traffic signals hidden, or anything else that might be useful to show the cause of an accident. The more detail in your notes the better.
Document All Expenses
Visits to the doctor, estimates on fixing damages to your vehicle, and any other expenses that result because of the accident need to be documented. In order to prove damages in a personal injury case, there needs to be evidence of the damages. Additionally, keep notes on what happens during doctor’s appointments in the event there are questions about an injury and its validity.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
I you have been injured in an accident, a personal injury attorney can help you figure out the next steps to take to obtain the compensation you deserve. The personal injury attorneys at Greg Baker Attorneys at Law PLLC are here for you. We know that an accident can be devastating and leave you with an overwhelming financial burden. Let us help relieve that burden. We always offer a free consultation. Contact us today.