What to Do If You’re Hurt in an Auto Accident
August 12, 2021 @ 10:30 am
Car accidents are scary when they happen and can be frustrating to deal with in the days, weeks and months that follow. After an accident happens, what next steps should you take? Here are some helpful tips from our legal experts to ensure you do what’s necessary to protect yourself after an auto accident occurs.
CALL 911
This first step might seem obvious, but many people get sidetracked by speaking to the other drivers or collecting information after auto accidents that they fail to get the police involved as quickly as possible. By calling authorities to the scene immediately after a collision (as well as paramedics, if necessary) you can reduce the chances of key evidence being moved, altered or removed at the scene and altercations happening between you and the other party that could complicate or hurt your case.
GATHER INFORMATION
After you contact emergency services and ensure any life-threatening situations are attended to, you can begin to collect information on the other driver and the damage done to your vehicle to file your claim. The information you need to collect includes the following:
- Name of driver
- Address
- Phone
- Insurance carrier & policy number
- Vehicle make, model & year
- Driver’s license number
- Photographs of the crash scene & damage to vehicles
- Witness contact info (if available)
DOCUMENT ALL INJURIES
If you have to seek medical attention, it’s important that you photograph any obvious injuries and document in detail the medical services you obtain and what services may be required down the road. Be sure to give any medical provider a complete list of your injuries and request reports from the doctors after they fully evaluate your condition. Forgetting to document an injury can reduce the likelihood of getting proper compensation from the insurance company.
The Five Most Common Injuries from Auto Accidents
CONTACT LEGAL HELP
When auto accidents become complicated, it’s in your best interest to seek counsel with an experienced personal injury team that specializes in auto accident law. Do not make the mistake of giving a statement to an adjuster without speaking to a lawyer first. Insurance company executives employ every possible tactic to stall during auto accident lawsuits and can take advantage of situations where policyholders are unrepresented.
GET THE BEST GUIDANCE WITH US
Guarantee that an experienced auto accident lawyer is fighting on your behalf at MMRB&H Law Firm. Our attorneys understand the complexities of these accidents and can work with the insurance companies to ensure you’re fairly compensated.
