People involved in car accidents – no matter how serious they are – often forget the moments before and after the accident itself. This is because, most of the time, they’re in shock and can’t think straight.
Naturally, this is the main reason why most car accidents are not handled properly by victims and, as such, an auto accident lawyer can’t do much for them – especially if they forgot essential steps or information.
Therefore, in today’s article, we’ll tell you the first legal steps that one should do after a car accident!
Call the Police/Authorities
Even though most articles tell you that you should collect evidence, take photos of license plates, record damages, and so on straight after an accident, you should never forget that calling the authorities is the most important thing to do!
They’ll arrive at the scene and write a report on the accident. Naturally, this report will be the main piece of evidence in your case – and it will also make you eligible for insurance.
Exchange Personal Information
As mentioned above, you’ll still have to collect certain information from the other party/parties involved in the accident. For example, you will most likely need information about the vehicles involved in the accident, the location, the insurance companies of the people involved as well as policy numbers, the contact information of the parties, and so on.
These things are more than just important when it comes to claiming rewards for damages or going to court.
Accident Documentation
When the authorities arrive, you should first identify the officers, as their names may be required in case you file a claim. Then, you must also request a copy of the accident report that they’ll make.
If you strongly consider making a claim, then you’ll have to also talk to witnesses, take pictures of the scene of the accident, and note the names of anyone involved in it.
Calling the Insurance Company
Once you’ve done all the above – called the police, gathered details, and so on – you can call your insurance company and tell them of the accident.
They’ll tell you exactly what you should do afterward, as well as the steps you must make to start the personal injury claim procedure and try to get compensation for the damages.
Seek Medical Attention
The first and most important rule of any car accident – in relation to claims/personal injury – is that you must seek medical attention as soon as possible, regardless of the degree of your injuries.
Even if you were not injured at all, a medical report would be more than helpful when seeking compensation. If you skip a medical check-up in which the doctor may have pointed out some bruises or whatnot, then you risk significantly lowering your compensation amount.
The Bottom Line
Naturally, you should contact a lawyer as soon as you decide to make a claim or go to court to claim compensation for your damages.
Still, when it comes to legal steps, there’s not too much that you have to do to secure a strong case/claim for yourself. You have to make sure that everything is on-the-record, and that a lawyer is there to help you build your case!
