The very nature of accidents ensures they catch you off guard, and that can kind of surprise can lead to you forgetting exactly what to do. But if you prepare yourself for an accident by making a list or memorizing the essential steps to take after your accident, you can avoid missing things that could affect your potential case.
So, instead of letting the shock of an accident cripple your claim and possibly cost you monetarily, take note of the important things to do. The more information you have, the better your legal team can help you, should the need arise. The last thing you want is to add to your debt during this time, especially when you aren’t at fault.
Check Yourself and Your Passengers
After you have an accident, the first thing you want to do is check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If you find that anyone is hurt, call an ambulance to the scene, so they can assess their surroundings and determine if anyone needs to go to the hospital for care.
If you and your passengers are okay, check to see if the other driver needs assistance and call for help if they need it. Stay on the scene while help is on the way because you never want to leave an accident until you know everyone is taken care of and the authorities document the incident.
Document Everything
While you’re waiting for the police or the ambulance to arrive, begin documenting your accident. Write down everything you remember about the crash, including the weather, driving direction, traffic, and circumstances. Include your injuries in your documentation, and take pictures of the scene, the vehicles, and your injuries, if applicable. All of this information is vital to the success of your claim and the determination of fault.
Talk to the other driver and get their name, insurance company, and phone number, in addition to every witness’ information and their account of what happened. Gather all the contact information you can and keep all documentation, including photos, together for your claim.
Talk to the Right People
Before you speak to the police or your insurance company, call an accident attorney. Anchor Law Firm recommends calling an accident attorney to ensure that you ask the right questions and make relevant statements. If you have a case that goes to court at a later date, you want to make sure you speak to the right people, and that you say the right things regarding your accident.
Keep Your Records Up to Date
Just because you don’t see a doctor when you have your accident doesn’t mean injuries won’t pop up over the next few days or weeks. If you are sore after your accident, go to the doctor to start a record of your medical care. Let your doctor know about your crash so they have all the information they need to properly diagnose you.
Any continued care you receive needs to be added to your documentation because all costs add up, and you want to cover all your expenses. This will give you the best chance of receiving reimbursement for anything you pay out-of-pocket in the event that the accident was not your fault.
Get the Compensation You Deserve
Accidents happen, but you don’t want any surprises to derail your finances and throw you into insurmountable debt. Getting help from an attorney and staying up to date on your documentation while following the proper steps is essential to your claim’s success.
So, have a plan before an incident occurs and write down everything you should do in the event of an accident. Keep the list in your car so you’ll have access to it when you aren’t thinking clearly, along with a phone number to a reliable attorney.
