Three Non-Negotiable Steps to Take After a Car Accident

No matter how confused and disoriented you are after a car accident, what you do matters greatly. If you or anyone affected is suing the at-fault driver for the harm they caused you, then you need evidence.

Thus, taking the right steps after a car accident helps to ensure your safety and ability to recover compensation. With that said, below are the three most important, non-negotiable steps after a car accident.

• Check Yourself and Be Safe

If you do not lose consciousness in the accident or you come to after regaining consciousness, you should exit the vehicle safely. Once you are safely away from the vehicle, check yourself for injuries and get a medical checkup. However, if you cannot move, remain there until help comes, and seek medical attention immediately.

Meanwhile, you should seek medical attention even if you do not notice any apparent injuries or feel pain. This move ensures you get a proper diagnosis and there are no symptoms of health complications or latent injuries like internal damage. Plus, official medical documentation can go a long way in demonstrating the severity of your injuries.

Your doctor’s official report of your injuries can be crucial evidence in your personal injury claim. Also, getting prompt medical treatment helps you escape dealing with potential legal difficulties—like proving you were injured. Your case can be significantly affected if there are inconsistencies or gaps in the medical evidence you provide.

• Collect Evidence

The next step as soon as you are in stable condition is to collect pieces of evidence of the accident scene. Part of this evidence will be the other driver's contact information if they are at the scene. Get their full names, contact, and insurance information; also, note their vehicle’s plate number.

Once you have collected their information, document the accident scene, taking pictures and video footage. Ensure the video and photographs are clear, covering the point where the vehicles made an impact and any damage incurred. Meanwhile, you should take photos from different angles and note the driving conditions when the accident happened.

Also, document the pictures of other objects or buildings damaged in the accident. The evidence you collect will help you identify the accident's cause and who should be responsible for the collision. If there are witnesses, collect their contact information so your lawyer can reach them later.

Do not forget to give a detailed police report; it is essential evidence you cannot lose. They will give their official report, which you can request later and submit to the insurance company or court. Also, get evidence, such as bills and receipts of your expenses, to show how the accident affected you financially.

• Seek Legal Assistance

If your injuries are serious, there will be complex legal issues that only an experienced car accident attorney can handle. With the attorney’s help, you can navigate the complicated process of recovering economic and non-economic compensation for your losses. Your lawyer will assess your situation and advise you on the best course of legal action.

Conclusion

“Being in a car accident is a devastating experience for your body, property, and finances,” states personal injury Attorney Paul Walsh of Keller Melchiorre & Walsh, PLLC. You have suffered serious injuries, your car got damaged, and you face huge bills that can dry your account. These three steps will help you receive maximum compensation for the losses and damages.