If you have been involved in a car accident, following these five simple steps will help preserve your injury claim:
- Call 911 – Immediately after the accident, contact the police and EMS. Do not leave the scene of the accident and wait for help in a safe area out of the way of traffic.
- Seek Medical Treatment – Even if you are only slightly injured, allow EMS to examine you at the scene. If your injuries are severe, accept an ambulance ride to the hospital. Describe all of your injuries and symptoms in detail to emergency medical staff so that all of your injuries are properly documented.
- Take Photographs And Collect Information – Take photos of the vehicles and the accident scene, including your injuries. These photos may be used to determine liability and be used as evidence at trial. Law enforcement will assist in obtaining the contact information for the other drivers involved in the crash. If police do not arrive at the scene, collect names, addresses, phone numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance information for the other people who were involved, and obtain witnesses information.
- Do Not Give Any Statements – Apologizing after an accident or admitting fault can negatively impact your car accident claim. Do not give recorded statements, sign any paperwork, or accept any settlement offers from anyone without first consulting with an experienced car accident attorney.
- Consult An Experienced Car Accident Lawyer – An experienced attorney will advise you on the value of your potential claim, investigate and gather evidence, and work to negotiate a settlement with the insurance company and the at-fault parties. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, the attorney will file a lawsuit on your behalf and prepare your case for trial.