When you are in a car accident, you may not be automatically on your “A” game. You are likely shaken, upset and even disoriented. You may not be thinking logically, coming up with all of the information you need should you have a personal injury claim.
However, a lot needs to happen in that short period of time, and if you do not take the right steps, you could be seriously hurting your chances of a personal injury claim later.
We have asked attorney Alaina Sullivan about what you should do. Here is what she had to say:
Getting Other Party’s Information
One of the first things you are told to do when you have been in an accident is to get the other party’s contact information, as well as his or her insurance information. You will need the insurance information if you wish to make a claim against the other party’s insurance, and you will need contact information because, odds are, none of this will be solved in one day.
As soon as you let the other driver leave the scene, if you do not have his or her contact information, you may not have a way to get a hold of him or her ever again.
Speaking with Police
You may not need an accident report with every single car accident claim, but if you do wish to pursue a personal injury matter, that police report is going to help you document what happened, how the accident occurred, and any other important facts you will need to prove that the other party is at-fault.
The police report may also be able provide the contact information of the other party should you forget to get it as well as other witness information. If you do speak with the police and do not get the report from them, keep in mind that you can always request the report later.
Not Getting Witnesses
In an accident, if both parties are disputing fault, it is your word against the other driver’s. You need third-party witnesses to help support your side of the story. Just like said previously about not getting the other driver’s name and contact information, as soon as you let the other driver leave the scene, you will likely never hear from that person again. Get the information at the start, and you will save yourself a lot of heartache later.
Leaving the Scene
It may seem obvious, but until the police get there, you need to stay at the scene of the accident. Do not move the car; otherwise, you risk not being able to recreate what happened in a police report. Take pictures of the scene as well to back your claim of what happened, when and where.
The biggest mistake you can make is assuming that your insurance company will simply believe what you are telling them without any further proof, police report or otherwise. Even if you have somewhere to go, stay. Do not leave the scene until everything is documented and all information exchanged.
Contact an Attorney Today
If you have been in an accident, a licensed personal injury attorney will be able to evaluate your case and determine if you have a claim against the other party’s insurance company. To receive the compensation for your medical bills, property damages, and pain and suffering, you should speak with a personal injury attorney in your area today.
