A car accident can be a stressful situation for everybody involved. A motor vehicle crash could cause significant damage and devastating injuries. Fortunately, if another party causes a collision, they could be held liable for damages. Often, those who have been injured in a car crash make mistakes which could affect their claim.
There are several steps individuals should take following a car crash to help bolster their claim for compensation. If you are involved in a car accident, it is important to respond appropriately to ensure that you and your interests are protected. Below is an appropriate course of action after a car accident.
- Stop and call 9-1-1. It is critical to stop and call the police even if you do not think there is damage to your vehicle or any injuries sustained as a result of the collision. It is your legal duty to stop after an accident and legal enforcement officials will ensure that you have all the information needed from the other person involved. Additionally, a police report will help the car accident attorney who is handling your case.
- Seek medical attention. Many people do not feel pain immediately following an accident. It may take a few days for injuries to make itself known such as traumatic brain injuries (TBI). It is crucial to seek medical attention if you have been involved in a motor vehicle crash. This medical documentation will help your attorney bolster your claim and help you prove the severity of your injuries.
- Do not admit fault. One mistake to avoid following an auto collision is to admit fault or apologize to the other party involved in an accident. Sometimes people apologize on impulse, but saying “I’m sorry” can be taken as an admission of fault.
- Take photographs. While you wait for first responders, it is wise to use your phone to take pictures of the scene. Furthermore, it is important to take pictures of the damage to both vehicles as well as any injuries that you may have sustained.
- Gather information. Even though the responding officer usually collects the other driver’s information, you should also write down their name, address, telephone number, and insurance information. If there are any witnesses at the scene, you should ask them for their personal information as well in case you or a lawyer needs to reach them in the future.
- Protect yourself. The most critical thing you can do after a collision with another vehicle is to call an attorney. A lawyer could help ensure your rights and interests are protected. Additionally, they could make sure that all evidence is collected. An attorney could also advocate on your behalf and help you negotiate with insurance companies so that you can recover compensation for your damages.
Contact a Car Accident Attorney today
If you or a loved one were involved in a motor vehicle collision, reach out to an experienced attorney. The legal team at Lott Law could help protect you and your rights. They have experience with auto accident cases and may be able to help you receive the compensation that you need.